How to visit Komodo: a quick guide to Komodo National Park and Labuan Bajo

Komodo National Park is a magical destination located in the Indonesian archipelago. It encompasses three major islands of Rinca, Padar, and Komodo, and several smaller islets. This UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve is home to one of the rarest and largest species of lizard: the Komodo Dragon. It also boasts a stunning array of marine life and landscapes. In this travel blog post, we will explore how to visit Komodo National Park. This includes the main attractions and the different options to visit the park. I will also share practical tips on how to get there, where to stay, and where to eat in Labuan Bajo, the gateway city to Komodo. This post is part of a series from our perfect 10-days Flores itinerary. Check it out!

Perfect 10 days Flores itinerary in Indonesia

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4 amazing reasons to visit Komodo National Park

1. The Komodo dragons

The star attraction of the park is the Komodo Dragon. It is the largest living species of lizard, which can grow up to 3 meters long and weigh over 70 kg. These fierce predators are found only in the wild in Komodo National Park (mainly in Rinca and Komodo islands). This makes of the park a unique and special place to visit. You can take guided tours to see these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat, either on foot or on a boat tour.

2. Incredible snorkeling and scuba diving

Komodo National Park is famous for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs, making it a paradise for snorkelers and divers. The park boasts some of the most diverse and colorful marine life in the world, including manta rays, turtles, sharks, and a myriad of fish species. There are many diving and snorkeling spots throughout the park, each with its own unique underwater landscape and ecosystem. If you’re a scuba diving fan, there is nothing better than a several days-expedition to Komodo National Park.

5 of the best snorkeling spots in Komodo National Park

Here are a few of the best snorkeling spots in Komodo:

• Pink Beach: home to colorful coral reefs, tropical fish, and even the occasional sea turtle.
• Manta Point: as the name suggests, Manta Point is a great spot to snorkel with the majestic manta rays that inhabit the waters of Komodo National Park. At Manta Point you can also find reef sharks, colorful fish, and sea turtles.
• Batu Bolong: home to a stunning variety of coral formations and marine life, including reef sharks, rays, and schools of colorful fish.
• Tatawa Besar: a vibrant coral reef teeming with a variety of marine creatures, including clownfish, parrotfish, and even the occasional reef shark.
• Siaba Besar: Siaba Besar is another great snorkeling spot located near Komodo Island. Visitors can encounter a variety of marine life, including sea turtles, rays, and a diverse array of colorful fish.5 of the best diving spots in Komodo National Park.

5 of the best scuba diving spots in Komodo National Park

Here are a few of the best scuba diving spots in Komodo:

• Batu Bolong: home to a stunning variety of coral formations and marine life, including reef sharks, rays, and schools of colorful fish.
• Castle Rock: known for its strong currents and thrilling underwater topography. You can encounter schools of trevally, reef sharks, and even large pelagic species such as tuna and barracuda.
• Manta Alley: a great spot to view the manta rays. You can witness these majestic creatures up close as they glide gracefully through the water, along with a variety of other marine life such as turtles, sharks, and colorful fish.
• Crystal Rock:a beautiful dive site located near Komodo Island, known for its stunning coral formations and diverse marine life.
• Tatawa Besar: known for its stunning coral gardens and diverse marine life.

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3. Hiking in incredible landscapes

The park offers plenty of opportunities for hiking and trekking. Its island boast breathtaking views of the rugged terrain, lush forests, and stunning beaches. Padar island is one of the worlds most famous sunrise spots. You have definitely seen it on instagram. The panoramic view of its rugged mountains and star shape surrounded by beaches make of Padar island one of the most beautiful places in Komodo. Gili Lawa Darat is also becoming another place to be for a stunning sunrise or sunset experience.

4. Paradise beaches

Komodo National Park is home to some of the most pristine and secluded beaches in the world. Visitors can relax on soft white (and some times pink!) sand, swim in crystal-clear water, and soak up the sun surrounded by stunning natural beauty.

5 of the best beaches in Komodo National Park

Some of its most amazing beaches in Komodo National Park are:

• Pink Beach: known for its unique pink sand and crystal-clear waters.
• Kanawa Island: small island located near Komodo Island. It is home to a stunning white sand beach.
• Kelor Island: home to a stunning beach surrounded by turquoise waters.
• Gili Lawa Darat: a small island located in the north of Komodo National Park, is home to a beautiful white sand beach.
• Padar island: besides the amazing sunrise, Padar island also boasts amazing white sand beaches.

How to visit Komodo National Park

• Day Excursions: If you have limited time or are on a budget, day excursions to Komodo National Park are a great option. These tours usually include a visit to Rinca or Komodo Island to see the Komodo Dragons, snorkeling or diving at one or two spots, and a visit to a beach or viewpoint. Day tours are typically available from Labuan Bajo, the main gateway to Komodo National Park.

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• Overnight Boat Tour: For a more immersive and adventurous experience, overnight boat tours are a popular option. These tours offer visitors the chance to explore more of the park’s islands and beaches, as well as to see more of the marine life and landscapes. Overnight boat tours usually last two to three days and include meals, accommodation on the boat, and activities such as hiking, snorkeling, and diving.

• Diving Boats: For diving enthusiasts, there are specialized diving boats that offer multi-day trips to explore the park’s underwater world. These boats typically have a crew of experienced divers and instructors, and offer a variety of diving spots and levels of difficulty. Some diving boats also offer night dives and other specialized activities.

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• Full Expeditions: For the ultimate adventure, full expeditions to Komodo National Park are available, which can last up to a week or more. These expeditions offer a more in-depth and comprehensive experience of the park, with activities such as hiking, camping, snorkeling, and diving. Full expeditions are usually led by experienced guides and require a higher level of physical fitness and stamina.

Travel tip: while I propose a few options in this page, it will always be cheaper to contact the tour companies directly when in Labuan Bajo or contact them via email beforehand.

Recommendation for a full expedition

I can really recommend Wanua Adventure if you’re planning to do a full expedition. We took a 4-day live aboard boat tour from Labuan Bajo to Lombok and we loved it! It was definitely one of the highlights of our trip and a can recommend it 100%. You can do the tour in either direction. Read about our experience in our Komodo boat expedition in the post below:

Labuan Bajo to Lombok: a 4-day Komodo boat expedition in Indonesia with Wanua Adventure

How to get to Komodo National Park

The main gateway to Komodo National Park is the town of Labuan Bajo. It located on the western coast of Flores Island. Here are several ways to get to Labuan Bajo:

Getting to Labuan Bajo by air

The fastest and most convenient way to get to Labuan Bajo is by air. There are several airlines that operate flights from major cities in Indonesia, such as Jakarta, Bali, and Surabaya, as well as some international destinations such as Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.

Getting to Labuan Bajo by land

If you prefer a more scenic and adventurous route, overland travel is also possible. You can take a bus or drive from other cities in Flores Island, such as Bajawa or Moni. Many people visit only Komodo National Park, but I can really recommend to explore the beautiful island of Flores. It will truly be one of the highlights of your trip to Indonesia. Check out the full 10-day Flores itinerary that we followed in the link below:

Perfect 10 days Flores itinerary in Indonesia

Getting to Labuan Bajo by sea

Many full expeditions through the Komodo National Park have departures from Bali or Lombok. The boat will take you through several Indonesian islands through West and East Nusa Tenggara. This, of course, includes the islands at Komodo National Park. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from the nearby town of Sape (in Sumbawa) to Labuan Bajo.

Where to Stay in Labuan Bajo in Flores, Indonesia

As the gateway to Komodo National Park, the most famous and visited attraction in the island of Flores, Labuan Bajo offers a wide variety of accommodations. Unfortunately, because of the popularity of the park, prices of accommodations are much higher than in the rest of Flores.

Budget

Unfortunately, budget-conscious travelers may have to sacrifice on location, since most of the affordable accommodations are located far from the harbor (which is the only place you need access to in Labuan Bajo). However, there are a few exceptions, such as Manta Manta Guesthouse or Tarsan Homestay. If location is not a problem for you, check out G-Rima Home Stay. For those looking for a more rural stay, look no further and book a nice hut in Sten Lodge Eco Homestay. We stayed at La Boheme Bajo, a hostel that offers both private rooms and bunk beds right in front of the sea and near the harbor and offices of tour operators. The rooms are simple but clean and decorated and the hotel has a bohemian atmosphere that we really liked. All rooms have shared bathrooms, but there are plenty for everyone and they are very clean. Rooms start at 400k IDR (24€) and beds at 120k IDR (7€) with breakfast.

Mid-range

Mid-range in Labuan Bajo is quite a bit higher than the Flores average. By far the most famous hostel/hotel in Labuan Bajo is Seaesta Komodo Hostel & Hotel. Offering both bunk beds and private rooms, this place has a vibrant social vibe, a great pool and a few parties. The most practical stay is at Harbour Komodo Hotel, right in front of the docks. If you prefer something more quiet but still central, check out Blue Parrot. If you’re looking for full tranquility, tropical paradise and a swimming pool with a view, choose Elang Hillside Bamboo Villas, located a bit outside of town. For a cheaper alternative, check out Puri Sari Beach Hotel.

Luxury

For visitors looking for luxury and comfort, the best area is the peninsula in the northern part of Labuan Bajo, where most resorts are located. There are several high-end resorts in Labuan Bajo that offer world-class facilities and services. Some of the top choices include Ayana Komodo Waecicu Beach or Plataran Komodo Resort & Spa in Labuan Bajo or Sudamala Resort and The Seraya Resort Komodo, located in a separate little island.

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Where to Eat in Labuan Bajo in Flores, Indonesia

Seafood

Because of its location on the coast, Labuan Bajo’s dining scene is all about the seafood! (and who is complaining?). Many guides recommend visiting the local fish market for seafood. While I still think you should go to see it, the prices in that place have gone insane. Especially because you have to haggle your price down. I suggest that after a stroll at the market, you choose one of the restaurants on this post to get your seafood.

One example is Hong Signature Restaurant. It one of the best seafood restaurants in Labuan Bajo and very affordable. If you want seafood with a view Taman Laut Handayani Seafood Restaurant Labuan Bajo is one of the best choices. While their seafood may not be the most incredible in town, it is still good and decently priced, especially if you take into account the incredible view from their terrace. For a cozier experience, check out Artomoro, an Indonesian restaurant that also offers seafood (among other things) and has a much more chill vibe. Try their fried calamari! Last but not least, another option for amazing seafood in Labuan Bajo is Senang Mose Restaurant, which offers delicious and affordable seafood cooked in a Chinese style.

Indonesian food

If seafood is not your thing, worry not! There are plenty of options to dine in Labuan Bajo that offers other Indonesian dishes. A great example is Warung Warung, a nice wooden grill restaurant offering both Indonesian dishes and BBQ. One of the coolest places in town is Warung Brothers Bajo, a very unassuming bar and eatery with a great view and delicious local food. Try their curry with cassava! For a more Balinese style of food, check out Mandalika Corner, a tiny establishment with good sense of presentation.

International cuisine

I must say that I try to eat only local while traveling. However, and especially when traveling long term, there are days that you just want a pizza or a burger. Labuan Bajo is a good option to have one of these cheat days due to the variety of restaurants that it has. Speaking of pizza, you can find arguably the best one at La Cucina. You can also eat some delicious fresh pasta. They also propose very reasonable prices considering western food is typically more expensive in Indonesia. For more inspired Italian cuisine with a bit of Asian fusion, try Baccalá.

Happy Banana Komodo serves arguably the best sushi in town. Green Cherry serves a mixture of Asian dishes as well as western staples. It is a bit on the pricier side but it caters to many cravings if you’re group is mixed. For cheaper prices and a more laid back vibe, check out Le Pirate Restaurant & Deck, which offers everything from Indonesian food to pad thai, fish & chips, tacos or burgers. 

Closing statement

Komodo National Park is a true gem of Indonesia, offering a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors from around the world. With its stunning landscapes, diverse marine life, and rare wildlife, it is no wonder that it is a popular destination for adventurers, nature lovers, and divers. Whether you choose to visit on a day tour, overnight boat tour, diving boat, or full expedition, you are sure to be amazed and inspired by the beauty and wonder of this incredible place.

If you’re planning a trip to Flores, check out this amazing itinerary and a few posts about the region:

Perfect 10 days Flores itinerary in Indonesia

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