3 Days on Komodo Island: The Ultimate Guide for Adventure Seekers
The Komodo Islands are a destination like no other – a blend of wilderness, stunning landscapes, and a taste of adventure! Best known for being the home of the Komodo dragons, the biggest lizards in the world, but the Komodo Islands have so much more to offer than their famous reptile. And let me show you just that!Β
You might also like: Ultimate Safari Guide from Tissamaharama to Yala National Park
For your information, all these pictures were taken in October 2023.
Table of Contents
Some information about Komodo Island
The Komodo Islands are part of Indonesia, between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores, and are best known for their stunning landscapes and being home to the world-famous Komodo dragons, the world’s largest lizards. These massive reptiles can grow up to 3 meters long and weigh over 150 kilograms. They are imposing to see in the wild!Β
The Komodo National Park consists of 29 islands in total and became part of UNESCO in 1980 and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. Originally, this was established only to protect the Komodo Dragons, but it safeguards now the area’s biodiversity, also including marine life.Β
How to get to the Komodo Islands?
As the tour’s starting point is in Labuan Bajo, a harbor town in Flores, the best thing to do is fly into Komodo International Airport from Bali at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport. A one-way ticket from Bali costs around β¬50 if you book in advance. Other than that, Labuan Bajo is nothing special; it is only a starting base for the Komodo Islands tour. You can also leave from other places in Indonesia to Labuan Bajo, but leaving from Bali has the most advantages: cheaper, faster, and a better connection.Β
The best time to visit the Komodo Islands
The best time to visit the Komodo Islands is between April to November. This is the most favorable because it is the dry season with calmer seas, which is better for snorkeling, diving, and hiking. Between December to March is the rainy season with more rain. But the landscapes are greener. We went in October and the scenery was very dry and brownish. So, if you want the best of both worlds, it’s best to come at the end of the rainy season.Β
How much costs the Komodo Islands trip?
We booked our trip via Family Labuan Bajo and it was 3 days and 2 nights in total. The tour cost 6.000.000 IDR (around β¬360) per person and an additional 500.000 IDR (around β¬30) for the Komodo National Park entrance fee. This needed to be paid in cash, so expect to have lots of banknotes in your wallet.
This trip included breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the boat, transportation around the islands, and accommodation on the boat. It also included transportation from the airport to the harbor and back.
Komodo Islands Itinerary
Komodo Islands itinerary: Day 1
1 | Arriving at Komodo International Airport
After spending some time in Bali, it was time to board the plane from I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport to Komodo International Airport! It was only a one-hour flight and the seamen were waiting on us at the arrival gate!Β
2 | Leaving the harbour towards Kelor Island
While we prepared our luggage on the boat, it was already sailing to the perfect start of our trip, Kelor Island! We had time to snorkel, swim, and hike to a beautiful viewpoint. And we immediately decided to hike to the viewpoint!Β
It was much harder than I thought, even though it wasn’t that long. But for my defense, the hike was very steep and I wore just sandals. So, to be better prepared, I would recommend wearing sturdy hiking shoes instead. But the views were absolutely worth it!Β
3 | Seeing the flying foxes at Pulau Kalong Island
In the meantime, the guide took us to some more snorkeling places, but the best thing we did that day, was watching the sunset. And it wasn’t a normal one. Right after the sun sets, thousands of flying foxes leave from a mangrove island to the mainland to search for food.Β
In the beginning, only a few of them leave, but not much later, lots of flying foxes are flying above your head. This, in combination with the orange-red sunset, makes it breathtakingly beautiful.Β
Komodo Islands itinerary: Day 2
4 | Enjoy sunrise at the most beautiful viewpoint at Padar Island
It’s time to wake up very early and start the day with a morning hike at Padar Island. This is one thing you can’t miss on the Komodo Islands tour, but it’s also one you have to work for to see it in real life. Around 1000 steps uphill to reach this viewpoint, but once at the top and seeing the sunrise from the ocean, it makes up for it all!Β
It’s probably best if you wear proper hiking shoes as the hike can be sturdy at the top. It took us around 30 minutes to reach the top. Be sure to start the hike as early as possible, because it’s torching hot to climb all the way to the top.
5 | Make a swim stop at the Pink Beach
I never visited a pink beach before, and I was a bit skeptical as I heard that it’s always more pink in a picture than in real life. But it was true, I spotted the pink hues already from the boat and it got even more bright when wandering on the beach.Β
The pink color is formed by crushed red coral that is mixed with fine white reef sand, which gives you the pink color. It’s true tho that sometimes the color is less bright, so it all depends if you’re lucky that day.Β
6 | Walk along the biggest lizard in the world on Komodo Island
Of course is this place the main reason you came on this boat trip, just like me. On the island of Komodo, you can visit these big lizards with a professional guide. This is the only spot in the world where you can spot these animals in the wild! So, that’s spectacular, right?Β
Once we arrived at the entrance of the park, we got to choose between a short and a longer hike and we obviously chose the longer one (more chance of seeing one, right?). In the end, we spotted 4 dragons in total, whereas a few of them were in action. But even if you don’t spot any, it’s still a great way to learn more about these animals.Β
7 | Have a beach party at Kanawa Island
At the end of the trip, we sailed closer to Labuan Bajo and made a quick stop at Kanawa Island. It was already pretty dark when we arrived, so I didn’t get a good look over the island, but I knew it was small. I had such a blast, dancing on the beach with a clear sky full of stars, and bonding with my fellow (solo) travelers. So, if you’re planning this solo, just do it! You meet so many new friends.Β
Komodo Islands itinerary: Day 3
8 | Have a morning swim
After waking up, there still was time to swim in the clear blue water and see the paradise islands with the white beaches. It was so refreshing and the best thing ever! But now it’s time to pack our bags and leave back to the mainland.Β
9 | Returning back to Labuan Bajo to catch your flight or stay a night longer
In the end, it’s time to leave the boat and get a transfer back to the airport. We directly went back to Bali, instead of staying in Labuan Bajo as we wanted to continue our trip. It’s also possible to just stay one night in Labuan Bajo, so you don’t have to worry that you won’t be back on time for your flight.Β
Other things to do in Indonesia
Indonesia had been a lifelong dream of mine and visiting it was a dream come true. I visited the highlights of Indonesia, with a few hidden gems then and there. And spending 3 days around the Komodo Islands had been an absolute blast for me!Β
Be sure to check out my other blog posts about things to do in Indonesia:
- Discover the Beauty of Nusa Penida (coming soon)
- Exploring the Charming Scenery of Bali (coming soon)Β
- The Perfect Itinerary for Jakarta (coming soon)
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Hello, I’m Ellen and welcome to this blog! I’m in love with exploring the world and hopefully I get to inspire you with these blog posts and pictures to feel the same. You will find detailed itineraries, hidden gems, tips and so much more!
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