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THE 10 BEST Komodo Multi-Day Tours

Multi-day tours in komodo.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Multi-day Tours
• Private Tours
• Ports of Call Tours
• Walking Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Photography Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
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• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
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• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Private boat trip Komodo 2 or more person for 3 days 2 nights, Kelor, Rinca...

2. Komodo Tour 3D/2N Live on Board -Join Group Category-Share Cabin

3. Private tour 4 days 3 nights Komodo on boat, waterfall and Rangko cave

4. Komodo Private tour 3Days 2 Night

5. 3 Days Deluxe Boat Private Cabin Sailing Trip in Komodo Island

6. 3 Days Komodo island Tour

7. Flores Dreamland Tour

8. 3Days Komodo Tour by Private Boat for 10 pax

9. 3Days Komodo Tour By Private Boat for 4 pax

10. 7Days Explore Komodo & Flores

11. Komodo Private Liveaboard Tour 3 Days 2 Nights

12. 2 Days Wae Rebo Tour Private

13. 3Days Komodo Tour by Private Boat for 8 Pax

14. 2Days Komodo Tour By Private Boat

15. 3-Day Komodo island Tour with or without Roundtrip Flight From Bali

16. 2-Day Komodo National Park and Rinca Island Wildlife Adventure from Bali

17. 2 Days and 1 Night Komodo Kayak Tour

18. 3-Day Komodo National Park Tour: Komodo Island and Rinca Island Trek

19. 3-Days Sailing Komodo Island,Padar & Manta Point departure every Friday

20. Komodo Sailing cruise

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

Maumere to Labuan Bajo Flores Overland Tour 7 Days Car Trip

Pauls Flores Tour Labuan Bajo to Ende Flores Land Tour inland by Car 6 Days

3 days to Wae Rebo

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• Private Boat Tour 2 Days 1 Night Explore Komodo National Park
• Private tour 4 days 3 nights Komodo on boat, waterfall and Rangko cave
• 3-Day Komodo island Tour with or without Roundtrip Flight From Bali
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The Complete Guide to Komodo National Park (How to Plan a Komodo Island Tour)

last Updated: February 10, 2024 indonesia komodo labuan bajo

FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. I’ll receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which I’ll totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. As always, thanks for the support.

Headed off to see the dragons of Komodo National Park and looking for the best Komodo tour package? We just got back a few months ago, and I have to say, you’re in for a real treat. Dragons, rusty-red volcanic hills, coral reefs, pink sand beaches, glassy turquoise waters… yeah, you’ll see why I’m semi-obsessed with this group of islands in Indonesia already.

Everyone visits Komodo National Park in Indonesia to see one thing and one thing only – the dragons. And for good reason – Komodo’s the only spot in the world to meet them! But what many don’t realize is that the Komodo islands are oh so much more than these giant monitor lizards. 

In our 3 days on our Komodo island tour, we swam and snorkeled in crystal clear turquoise waters, jumped into the Flores Sea from our two-story boat, watched millions of bats fly overhead at sunset, hiked up ~1,000 steps for the most spectacular sunrise views, and wandered/relaxed around pink sand beaches. 

We watched the sunrise and sunset in the same day, woke up to luminous blue waters surrounding our boat, drank fresh fruit juice at every meal, and forever gazed at green volcanic mountains jutting out of the sea.

To say our Komodo trip was nothing short of spectacular is an understatement – heck, we kiiiinda loved Komodo even more than we loved Bali ( and we fell head over heels for that place ).

There’s just something to be said about waking up to gentle waves, sailing to new islands and sandbars every few hours, witnessing the most dramatic sunset, and sleeping beneath the brilliant stars on comfy bean bags come nightfall. And then doing it alllll over again the next day.

Komodo National Park’s even been selected as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, along with already being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And this diverse location in Indonesia surely deserves all its accolades and then some! It’s downright dreamy.

However, planning a trip to the Komodo islands can be all kinds of confusing. If you follow my advice you’ll be visiting a whole slew of islands in the National Park, not just Komodo (which is the main island and the largest of them all).

After reading this lengthy guide (I know, I know, I’m beyond wordy), I hope it’s the one and only Komodo island blog post you’ll need to plan your trip. Am I missing something? Please let me know down below in the comments! I write these guides for you guys to have the best trip possible!

***Note that the Indonesian government will temporarily close Komodo Island in January 2020 to help preserve/protect the remaining dragons, with no reopening dates announced just yet. HOWEVER, don’t fret, ONLY Komodo Island will close to tourists (and thankfully not the entire National Park, there are numerous other islands).

You can still see Komodo dragons on Rinca Island (where we went), as well as visit all the other islands we visited (including Pink Beach, Padar, Kanawa, etc). We didn’t even go to Komodo Island on our Komodo tour (nope, not even once!). So yes, this means you can still take the same trip I did and see the same exact sights.

Komodo Trip Planning Logistics

Where is komodo national park anyways.

If you gave me a world map a few months ago, I wouldn’t have been able to tell you in the slightest bit where Komodo Island could be found. And to tell you the truth, I didn’t even know it was in Indonesia (facepalm; I can’t be the only one).

Now I can thankfully not only give the general vicinity of Komodo, but I can pin-point its exact location as well. How’s that for progress?!

If you haven’t figured this out by now (no judgements), Komodo National Park is part of the Indonesian archipelago.

It’s located between Lombok and Flores, and is a few islands east of everyone’s favorite, Bali. The park is comprised of three main islands: Komodo, Padar, and Rinca (you’ll probably visit all 3 on your Komodo tour), as well as 26 smaller, less frequented ones. 

When to Visit Komodo

Komodo essentially has two distinct seasons – the dry season and the rainy season.

This comes as no surprise, but you’ll want to visit Komodo National Park during the area’s dry season , occurring between April and December. The weather is pretty much perfect – not toooo hot, and with very little to no rain whatsoever. If you’re hoping for that lush greenery on the volcanoes, plan a visit between April and June, as you’ll find comfortable temps, cool, fresh air at night, and calm seas.

Do note that it’s technically most crowded in July and August, although we didn’t feel this much (except for our sunrise trek up Padar Island).

A visit during the rainy season (December to March, with February being the peak of monsoon season) will result in rainy, wet days, making walking paths uncomfortably muddy and difficult to trek around. Heavy rainfall, strong wind, and big waves are common, so avoid this time if that doesn’t sound your like idea of fun. 

And thankfully, no matter when you visit, you can see Komodo dragons. Do note that July and August is the height of Komodo mating season, meaning you may witness a male dragon fighting to get attention from a female. We actually saw two dragons mating, although they were doing their thang in private under a large structure, so we couldn’t really see much of the action. :p

Another dragon was guarding her eggs, although I don’t really know why they do so since they’re known to eat some of their young anyways!

How Long to Stay in Komodo

Many travelers opt to spend a few nights on a Komodo tour. We slept two nights on a liveaboard boat, and another two nights in Labuan Bajo (1 night before the Komodo island tour and one night afterwards), making our total trip 3 days (5 if you include arrival and departure days) and 4 nights.

And trust me – 3 days in Komodo is the perfect amount of time to witness the sunrise and sunset from the deck of the boat, numerous times. However, we could have stayed an extra few nights, it was that comfortable! 

With all that being said, I think spending 2 and a half days will suffice, especially if you booked yourself on a fully equipped Komodo tour package which takes you to the best spots in the National Park (like we did). We were thankful we had a ½ day to relax at our resort (the oh so beautiful Ayana Komodo ) after trekking around in the hot hot sun for a few days.

And if you’re a serious diver, you’ll probably want to spend an extra day or so doing your thing, as Komodo is a haven for all kinds of underwater life. We unfortunately don’t our scuba certs, so I can’t report much on all things diving for ya.

How to Get to the Komodo Islands

Note that if the Komodo Islands are your final destination and you aren’t interested in spending a few days (or more) in Bali, you’ll first need to get yourself to Bali anyways. 

Komodo National Park is roughly an hour flight plus a 2 hour boat ride away from Bali, and although it’s kiiiinda a pain to get to, it’s 1000% worth it, and then some. Keep reading, you’ll see.

Coming from Bali → By Far The Best Option

If you’re headed to the Komodo Islands from Bali like we were, it’s easiest to hop on a quick 1 hour, 15 minute flight over. You’ll need to get yourself to Labuan Bajo on Flores Island, the main gateway to Komodo National Park.

Thankfully, there’s heaps of daily, nonstop flights available from Bali (DPS) to Labuan Bajo Airport (LBJ) on Flores Island. We ended up on a flight with NAM airlines for about $100 roundtrip, but note that there are also direct flights on Wings Air and Garuda Indonesia as well. 

And trust me – that flight over to the Komodo Islands will be one of the most scenic you’ll ever experience (atolls and reefs every step of the way, especially once you get closer to the National Park). Don’t give up your window seat for just anyone — I had my eyes peeled to the glass the whole time!

Once you’re on Flores situated in Labuan Bajo, the Komodo Islands are just a quick-ish boat ride away.

For visual learners like myself: Bali airport (DPS) → flight to Labuan Bajo (LBJ) on Flores Island → taxi into town → boat to Komodo Islands

Psst: you can actually take a ferry over to Flores from Bali, but a 36 hour trip through treacherous waters doesn’t sound very appealing to me.

Coming from Lombok → Possible, but not the best choice

If you’re coming from Lombok, you’ll also find flights as well, although many make a stop in Bali (kinda silly, but that’s airlines for ya). After doing a bit of research, it looks like there’s ONE direct flight on Wings Air per day, so snatch that up if you’re able to (check LOP → LBJ).

If you really prefer not to head back to Bali and can’t catch a nonstop flight, you can also take a 24 hour bus/ferry combo (ouch), or a 4 day/4 night snorkeling boat trip (with conditions which I heard aren’t all that great). Just come from Bali if you can. 🙂

How to Get Around Komodo National Park

*Psst: There are only a handful of hotels on the Komodo Islands (which get booked up quite far in advance), and you’re only allowed to visit Komodo Island with an official guide and park ranger.

Meaning you’ll absolutely 100% NEED to book a tour (this isn’t a DIY type of trip, although there are Komodo tours for all price points). There are plenty of options for staying in Labuan Bajo, don’tchu worry.

You’ve basically got two options when it comes to touring around Komodo National Park. And no, since Komodo National Park is an archipelago (a group of islands), you cannot drive around yourself (ha!). 

Option #1. Basing yourself in the town of Labuan Bajo (the main gateway for the park) and taking day trips to the different islands of Komodo.

If you’re choosing this option I’d highly recommend finding tours ahead of time and getting yourself on those. I mean, how often are you gonna be visiting Komodo National Park? Might as well get on the exact ones you want, right?

If you’re more of a last-minute planner (I most definitely am not), you can show up in Labuan Bajo and book tours directly in the town itself once you arrive, but there’s no guarantee your preferred dates will be available. My advice? Just book tours ahead of time for some peace of mind.

Tours to check out beforehand:

• Best of Komodo Island Hopping : You’ll 100% want to do a full day Best of Komodo tour (like this one or this one ), as they go to a bunch of the hot spots, including Padar Island, Pink Beach, Kanawa Island, Taka Makassar, and of course, Komodo Island. If you only have time to do one tour during your time in Komodo, make it this one .
• Sunset tour at Kalong Island : Watching the flying foxes/bats (by the millions I might add) fly overhead at sunset is just one of those “must do” things in Komodo. Don’t miss it (book here).
• Komodo Diving : And if you’re a driver, definitely check this out . The underwater life in Komodo is just teeming with excitement – it’s a known hotspot for divers!
• Cave Tour on Flores Island :  If we had extra time I would have definitely wanted to take this cave tour on Flores Island near Labuan Bajo. There’s always a next time for us, but you can check it out now! And be sure to report back and lemme know how it is!

Option #2. Finding a Komodo island tour, inclusive of meals, island hopping, snorkeling equipment, and of course, accommodation on the boat .

This is essentially a complete Komodo tour package (meaning you don’t have to worry about a thing once you get yourself to Labuan Bajo). Most of these Komodo tours are 3 days and 2 nights, but you can easily find one for 1 or 3 nights instead, depending on your interests and time availability. Komodo island tours vary in price, with the average being approximately $100 or so per day.

Psst – As you could have guessed after reading about me gushing about the boat so much, we chose the second option and absolutely loooooved it. I can’t imagine staying in Labuan Bajo and missing out on boat life! For reference, we chose a 2-day/3-night liveaboard, and felt like it was the perfect amount of time. 

And now for some not-so-fun-yet-highly-necessary stuff:

Malaria pills: Unlike Bali and other parts of Indonesia, you’ll want to talk to your doctor about taking malaria pills if you’re planning a trip to the Komodo Islands, as malaria is quite common in these parts of the country. Key words: talk to your doctor (I ain’t a doc and I don’t pretend to be one).

We both chose to take malaria pills – we figure, better to be safe than sorry (and plus, I typically get eaten alive, although I only managed to get a handful of mosquito bites on our trip #notcomplaining).

Vaccinations : The CDC states that all travelers to Indonesia should be up to date on routine vaccines (MMR, tetanus, chickenpox, pollo, flu shot).

In addition, it’s also wise to get the Hep A, Hep B, and typhoid vaccination as well (some of these are good for years, so if you plan to do a lot of traveling to other undeveloped countries, you’ll probably need them there – might as well get them now and keep yourself protected always). As always, talk to your doctor.

Water : Do note that you absolutely cannot drink the water in Labuan Bajo or the Komodo area in general; you’ll find that all hotels/restaurants and Komodo tours provide fresh drinking water (either bottled or from large treated water jugs).

Because of the unsafe water, Bali belly is quite common – which is just a fancy name for food poisoning. We had no problem while in Labuan Bajo or with the food on our liveaboard. You may want to ask your doctor for a prescription of Ciprofloxacin for serious travelers diarrhea in case you find yourself with any disturbing stomach issues. We always pack immodium as well, just in case.

Travel insurance: Yes, you need this. I always recommend purchasing travel insurance before your trip. You never know what might happen (flight delays, lost baggage, illness), and travel insurance definitely helps with all of those unfortunate unexpectancies.

I highly recommend the company SafetyWing . I’ve recently been buying coverage with SafetyWing since they cover pandemic-related costs (which most travel insurance companies do not do).

Whenever we travel, we always buy a short term plan (depending on how many days/weeks we’ll be away) before leaving for any trip! Even if you don’t end up using it, peace of mind is 100% worth it in my opinion. Find plan options and pricing here (and at only a few bucks a day, there’s no excuse not to!) I always say, if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford your trip. It’s that easy.

Dragons : I can’t have a safety section and not mention the dragons. I mean, they’re called dragons for a reason .

However, fear not; visiting them on Komodo Island isn’t as scary as I initially perceived it to be – we casually strolled around (with an official park ranger of course) and saw the dragons lazing on the grounds, caring about us humans for less than .2 seconds. It was actually a bit anticlimactic to tell you the truth (yet still terrifying at the same time).

Their diet mostly consists of deer (and other large-ish mammals like the water buffalo – yup!); however , Komodo dragons also occasionally attack humans, which is why it’s oh soooo very important to do EXACTLY WHAT YOUR GUIDE SAYS. With shark-like teeth and poisonous venom, a bite from a Komodo dragon can kill a person within hours.

I don’t say this to scare you (or deter you from visiting), I just want you to understand the significance of not following directions. Just stay with your guide at all times and you’ll be golden. 🙂

A Note for the Ladies: You may wanna plan your trip around your cycle/period/menstruation (whatever you wanna call it). The dragons can smell blood from miles away, and are more prone to attack. If you can’t alter your plans to fit around this time of the month, be sure to ask your guide/park ranger the best course of action.

It’s possible they may advise to skip a visit to see the dragons. This may seem silly, but it’s no joke! Komodo dragons occasionally attack humans, although this is relatively uncommon (and guides will use all precautions to keep visitors safe). I’m pretty sure one girl on our trip was on her period (I overheard her talking to our guide), and she said it was ok to come along.

While no one will be checking of course, I’d highly advise you to disclose this information to your guide just in case.

An Extra Note on the Komodo Dragons

Can’t visit Komodo National Park without hanging out with a few dragons, right?! These dinosaur-esque looking creatures are endemic to the Komodo Islands and are a very rare species, meaning you can’t see them anywhere else in the world! There are about 5,700 dragons left in the wild, and they’re all over here in this stunning part of Indonesia.

Being the largest and most lethal lizard on Earth, they can weigh as much as 300 pounds, with some growing as long as 10 feet! The dragons are not only carnivorous, but cannibalistic as well! Since the dragons are known to eat their young, not many survive, which is a prime reason for their endangeredness. 

As noted earlier, Komodo Dragons are dangerous creatures, so be sure to stay with your guide (always) and follow all their safety instructions. Below are clear instructions we were given:

• Never look a Komodo dragon directly in the eye
• Keep your head down
• Stay together with your group (at all times)
• One ranger leads the group while another is at the back end
• Walk only on the specified trail
• Never go to the bathroom alone

Where to Stay on Labuan Bajo

If you’re planning to book a liveaboard Komodo tour like we did (sleeping on the boat and all that jazz), you’ll need to sleep in Labuan Bajo the night before. You don’t really have a choice, as flights don’t arrive early enough and you definitely won’t make it there by ferry in time. Since the Komodo tours start pretttyyyy early in the morning, getting to Flores island and Labuan Bajo in particular the night beforehand is a must. Don’t wanna miss your boat!

We decided to check out two different spots on Labuan Bajo → one before our Komodo tour package started (Le Pirate), and one once the Komodo island tour was finished ( Ayana Komodo ).

I planned it quite strategically, staying at the less expensive option the first night (since we were planned to arrive in Labuan Bajo around sunset and were getting picked up early the next morning – meaning not much actual time to enjoy the hotel) and a much more lux spot the last night (when we knew we would have much more time to actually enjoy the amenities).

Le Pirate Labuan Bajo: That first night before the Komodo tour started we stayed at the simple Le Pirate Labuan Bajo, which turned out to be a-okay, especially considering it cost about $60 a night and had a rooftop bar and pool (we saved our pennies for the resort afterwards).

It was that first night we witnessed our first Komodo sunset – and it was absolutely surreal. SO. MUCH. COLOR. All from the roof of our little hotel. There are dorm style rooms and private rooms to choose from.

Ayana Komodo : Once the trip was over, we checked into the Ayana Komodo , and it was by far one of our favorite hotels on our entire trip to Indonesia .

Besides the stunning infinity pool overlooking the exquisite Waecicu Beach, the design was exceptional, the cuisine superior, and the service unparalleled (everyone here’s so warm and friendly). And it’s basically brand new – it first opened its doors in September of 2018. 

Again, that sunset view! I swear we witnessed more golden sunsets in Komodo and Labuan Bajo than elsewhere in the world. If you’re looking for top notch (in terms of amenities and location), check out the Ayana Komodo , as it’s the only 5 star resort in Labuan Bajo. We loooooved it, and I don’t say that lightly (plus, I’m always keepin’ it real over here so you can be sure you’ve got our honest opinions).

Just beware – if you do decide to spend a night or two at the Ayana, don’t book any of their tours – they are ridiculously overpriced (FYI).

Other accommodations options in Labuan Bajo include Bintang Flores Hotel , Plataran Komodo Beach Resort , and The Jayakarta Suites Komodo Flores , but in all reality, I think we chose the best two (and trust me, I did tons and tons of research, like I always do before any big bucket-list trip).

What to Bring on any Komodo Tour

Thankfully, if you book a Komodo liveaboard tour like we did, you won’t need to pack any camping gear, cookware, or other heavy nonsense. The boat provides all that and more. Do be sure to ask your specific tour operator what specifically is needed, as I’m sure all don’t provide the luxuries we had on board. However, there’s a few things you will most definitely want to bring/be aware of when packing before visiting the Komodo islands!

First of all, you’ll want to pack on the lighter side . The planes to Labuan Bajo (for Komodo) are quite small, with a lighter luggage allowance than most other flights. With that being said, you can always pay for extra baggage, which is what we had to do since my husband brought along a full-size suitcase (he’s not as swift at packing for 2 weeks in a carryon like I am).

If I remember correctly, the prices were more reasonable than other times we needed to upgrade baggage. The bigger bag was fine on the boat, but I wouldn’t suggest bringing more than one suitcase per person. Most people on our liveaboard brought backpacking backpacks.

A few recommended items : a strong mosquito repellent, high SPF reef-safe sunscreen (to protect the fishies and coral of course), medicine for seasickness (we don’t suffer from seasickness, but if it’s your first time sleeping on a small-ish boat you may want to bring some dramamine just in case – we did), bathing suits, hiking shoes/sneakers for trekking (we both brought Tevas), and high-quality camera gear (photo spots alllll around, you’ll see).

Things to do in Komodo National Park

It’s hard to get bored in Komodo. There’s stunning beaches, colorful coral reefs, and exotic wildlife every corner you turn. Below are the most popular things to do in Komodo National Park, and exactly what we did on our few days in the area! Don’t miss any of them (I’d be hard pressed if I had to eliminate one or two).

Hike up Kelor Island, take in the views, then go swimming

Kelor is kinda the perfect island – there’s hiking, crystal clear water, sandy beaches, and coral underneath the surface.

Kelor Island was our first stop on our Komodo tour, and we trekked up the hill right away! To be honest, it was much more difficult than I had initially thought (read: steep), although others were breezing right by me. And plus, I get a tad nervous (okay, I’m scared shit) when hiking down on loose gravel/sand, so I did the crab walk for the better portion of the way back (ha, ha, ha). 

BUT the views more than made up for my dirty bum. Just look! And we didn’t even make it to the very tippy top (although the rest of our group who hiked did – some stayed at the surface enjoying a bit of extra beach time)! 

If you’re gonna trek up, I highly advise you do so in proper shoes with a good grip (my husband and I wore tevas); others in our group wore sandals but they obviously had much more hiking experience than us.

You can also go snorkeling here, but our guide noted that there was much better snorkeling nearby which we’d be doing soon anyways. After the quickish hike, I searched for seashells and swam in the shallow waters near the shore.

Meet the Dragons (on Rinca Island and/or Komodo Island)

Imagine standing next to a Komodo dragon. In the wild. Yup, it’s a terrifying and utterly fascinating experience all at the same time. I was petrified (just like I was of the monkeys in Bali ). But you absolutely cannot visit this group of Indonesian islands and not hang with the largest lizard in the world (fun fact)! 

Komodo Island National Park is the only spot on planet Earth where Komodo dragons call home (all 5,700 of them). And once you make it the area, you’ve got a few islands to choose from, particularly Komodo Island and Rinca Island.  Yes, it’s a little confusing, but Komodo is also the name of a specific island as well (although when many say they’re headed to Komodo Island they mean the area in general).

So which one to visit? Well, you can always visit both, but we just visited Rinca and found our experience to be satisfying enough (hey, more time for the beach, right?).

While you can easily spot dragons on both islands (with a guide, of course), there are a few main differences.

1) The amount of time it takes to get there – Komodo Island is reachable in about 4 hours from the mainland of Flores (originating from Labuan Bajo), whereas Rinca is significantly closer, taking roughly only 2 hours.

2) The number of dragons on the island (with the largest population existing on Komodo Island with roughly 1,700, with Rinca coming in as a close second with approximately 1,300).

If I had to choose just one, I’d pick Rinca.

Since Rinca is less impacted from tourism, you’re much more likely to spot the dragons in their natural habitat (a reason why Komodo Island is shutting its doors to visitors soon). The island is completely undeveloped, making it the perfect home for exotic and dangerous wildlife (hence the dragons).

On Rinca there are 3 main trekking paths to choose from; we chose the shortest trek (roughly 20-30 minutes) and saw a dozen or so of these 300ish pound monsters along with a spectacular view out to sea. And with Rinca’s extreme heat, I doubt you’ll be able to handle a much longer trek (we were dripping).

Regardless of which island you end up visiting, you’ll be walking through the bush in search of the Komodo dragons with a guide (always!) and armed only with a stick. We also saw a water buffalo lurking behind some trees, which was quite shocking to say the least! Do note that venomous snakes frequent the area, so be sure to stay on the path and always watch your step.

Snorkel with sea turtles

If there’s one thing I make sure of on any tropical trip, it’s including some time to snorkel with the sea turtles! And thankfully, not only did our Komodo tour include some great snorkelling spots, but green turtles and hawksbill turtles are quite plentiful in coral reefs in Komodo! Your guide/tour will know great spots to jump outta the boat for a good snorkel, so fingers crossed you see a few of these beauties yourself!

If you’ve never swam with a sea turtle before, you’re in for a real treat. There’s just something so majestic about these (larger-than-you-realize but) graceful creatures swimming below the surface.

And please oh please – do not attempt to chase/feed/pet/play with a sea turtle. Our touch is dangerous to their sensitive turtle shells, potentially causing disease and other harm.

Pro tip for spotting the sea turtles: While seeing animals in the wild is never guaranteed, there’s a few tricks you can use to increase your chances. First things first, you’ll wanna swim to where the edge of the reef meets the open ocean. Turtles seem to congregate over in these parts, and you’ll have a much higher chance of seeing them over here!

And just remember, turtles need to come to the surface for air every so often, so keep your eyes peeled all around you! You can see them resting on the sea bed, swimming up for a breath, and just casually hanging around. Patience!

Witness millions of bats overhead at Kalong Island

What’s more insane than watching a swarm of thousands upon thousands of the world’s largest bats fly overhead at sunset? People actually call them flying foxes they’re so big! It’s a pretty surreal experience, despite sounding extra odd (haha). 

Our guide anchored our boat some distance from the island, and we just couldn’t peel our eyes away from the sky full of bats! I mean, just look at these photos! Absolutely spectacular!

Where do the bats come from anyway (yes, I wondered about this too)? Kalong Island is covered with mangrove plantations which is where hundreds of thousands/millions of these bats live. Once dusk arrives each and every day, the bats leave their roost (where they rest during the day) and head for their feeding grounds on the mainland.

It’s really a magnificent spectacle. Be sure to book a Komodo tour package which includes this experience, it’s just like being in the pages of National Geographic.

Fun tidbit: Kalong actually means bat in the local language, which makes perfect sense all things considered!

Hike up Padar Island for Sunrise

Set your alarm clock, because we’re waking up early (as in 4am or so)! If there’s one thing you can’t miss on your Komodo tour, it’s the spectacular sunrise trekking on Padar Island. The views are by-far outta this world insane. BUT it comes at a grueling price – about 1,000 steps or so straight up the mountain!

It’s quite a steep hike, and was quite challenging to reach the top, but not impossible by any means.

I even wore sandals (with a strap on the back though, which really helped)! Just so you’re aware, the first few sets of wooden and then stone steps are safe, but then, near the top, they’re pretty crumbled and/or non-existent. You may want to grab your hiking shoes instead, which I probably should have done. Also a wise idea to come equipped with a water bottle and sunscreen!

However, WHEN you climb to the summit makes a huge difference. Since there’s little shade on the entire trek, come as early as possible (before sunrise) to not only avoid the crowd, but the intense heat. Yes, it was still blistering hot on our way down, but I can’t imagine trekking up with that scorching sun shining down on us nonstop.

I’m guessing it took us roughly 25-30 minutes to reach the top, including a few photo breaks. (Heading back down was way easier despite the heat).

Once you reach the top, you’ll get a grew view of this island dreamscape below – a full panoramic view of all of Padar. Those photos you see on IG are real – 3 turquoise bays, each with different colored sand (a rare combo of sparkling white, charcoal black, and baby pink sand beaches).  We then watched the sun rise above the horizon, making the ground a soft golden hue, before taking about a million and 5 photos.

Do note if you visit just after the rainy season (visiting between April to June), the mountains will be much more lush and green. We visited in July and the land was dry and brown, albeit beautiful, to say the least.

Relax at Pink Beach

Striking pink sands. Clear turquoise waters. Endless blue skies. Rolling green hills. I can go on and on. This idyllic spot has got to be one of the most spectacular places I’ve ever been. In my life . Yeah, yeah, I already deemed San Blas and the Zapatillas worthy of that title, but after visiting Pink Beach (and Komodo in general), I think they’ve been booted of the #1 spot.

And yes, my pink-obsessed friends, Pink Beach does in fact have pink sand; why else would it be called that?! The unique color is formed by crushed shells of microscopic single-cell sea creatures (called Foraminifera – whoaaa science). When you combine these small flecks of red shell with fine white reef sand, you get a soft pink tink! And trust me, you’ll notice the rosy hue even before getting off the boat, as it’s visible from the water.

There are actually quite a few different pink sand beaches in Komodo National Park, but any experienced guide will know the best spots to take you for that fine, fine pink tinted stuff. What to do once you get there? You can either relax, swim, and play in the waters like we did, and/or go snorkeling (the reefs here are booming with sea life).

Be sure to take some photos of this natural phenomenon – it’s not everyday you find yourself digging your toes into pink sand! We definitely took our fair share…

Go swimming with Manta Rays at Manta Point

Imagine crossing paths with a giant Manta Ray; what a magical, remarkable, mind-blowing experience. And no, you don’t even need to go diving to see them as these gentle giants play right on the surface! Definitely bring along your GoPro!

→ Learn my secrets for taking underwater photos here.

Unfortunately the weather didn’t cooperate during our Komodo trip (it was a bit windy making the tide too rough), so fingers crossed you’ll get better conditions! Of course safety is the number one priority on any Komodo tour package (as it should be), but to say I was bummed we missed out on this is a complete understatement! Next time!

Wander/Swim around Taka Makassar

Absolute perfection. This tiny blip of white sand in the Middle of Nowhere, Indonesia will surely help live out all your beachy postcard dreams. The sand and sea of Taka Makassar is surely on par with the blues of Bora Bora (can’t believe I’m admitting that), and I kinda wished we had brought along a few Bintangs or some fresh watermelon juice to shore! 

Yes, this banana-shaped sand bar is small – you can walk from end to end in about 5 minutes or so! There’s a bunch of coral lining the sand and water, so be careful! Tons of photo ops here, so don’t forget your camera. 

Sunset at Sebayur Island

Can there ever be enough sunset hikes during a Komodo island-hopping trip? Nope! Thankfully there’s a bit of shade of here, so you hopefully won’t be heading up in the heat!

And just so there’s no confusion, there’s actually two Sebayur Islands, differentiated by their size. I’m honestly not sure which one we hit up, but it was either Sebayur Kecil (small) or Sebayur Besar (big).

Psst: we didn’t actually make it up. We didn’t even make an attempt. It was a last minute decision and we were all waaaaay too tired, so we watched the sunset from the boat, and it was perfection. My husband hiked up the next morning for sunrise and he said it only took about 5 minutes, so there ya go, shouldn’t be too hard. 

Snorkel and relax at Kanawa Island

Before we headed back to Labuan Bajo, we made a pit stop at the fairytale island of Kanawa. Being only 15km or so from Labuan Bajo in Flores, it’s a great first or last place to hit up on any Komodo island tour itinerary.

We lounged and played in the water while others snorkeled. You’ll see – the water is soooo crystal clear you can even see the fish from above water!  And if you’re lucky, you may see a few starfish in the shallow water near the jetty. There are apparently some sea urchin so be careful when walking in the water!

Our Komodo Trip

Our Komodo trip was an overdose to the senses: think crystal clear waters, giant bats flying overhead, stunning views everywhere we looked, and brightly colored corals beneath the surface.

I’ve decided to give you an overview of our entire Komodo tour package so you get an accurate representation of all you can see and do within a short time period. As noted earlier, we chose a 2 night/3 day Komodo island tour, and felt this was the perfect amount of time to explore the islands and take advantage of the boat.

Do note that we slept in Labuan Bajo the night before the tour, and the night after the tour, making our time in the area 4 nights (2 nights in hotels, 2 nights on the boat).

Here’s how our entire Komodo trip went down:

Our Komodo Island/Labuan Bajo Itinerary:

Day 1: We arrived to Labuan Bajo in late afternoon, took a quick taxi ride to town and checked into Le Pirate right before sunset. Not wanting to miss our first Flores sunset, we headed up to the rooftop bar straight away for some dinner and much-needed drinks. 

Day 2:  We got picked up by Travass Life the next morning around 9, transferred to the boat, had some welcome snacks and fresh fruit juice on board, and set sail! First activity: a hike to the top of Kelor island for our first Komodo National Park views and some relaxation time on the beach/go in water/look for shells.

Rinca island was next, for a short trekking loop to see Komodo dragons (!!!), then we anchored the boat near Kalong Island to watch the bats overhead at sunset.

Day 3: Today was a super early day, as we did the sunrise hike at Padar Island. After the trek we spent a fair bit of time at Pink Beach and Taka Makkasar, then spent the rest of the afternoon jumping off our boat and snorkeling in the crystal clear waters of Komodo.

Day 4: On our last full day in Komodo, we relaxed at Kanawa Beach, enjoying the bath-like waters and searching for seashells. After one last liveaboard lunch, we arrived back in Labuan Bajo around 2pm, making our way to Ayana Komodo around check-in time (3pm).

Since we were utterly exhausted from the last few days of Komodo adventures, we hung at the pool and relaxed, before witnessing one of the best sunsets of our lives.

Day 5: We woke up early to take full advantage of the stunning Ayana Komodo, before making our way back to Bali in the early afternoon. PHEW, what a few days!

The Boat and our Full Komodo Island Tour Package

After doing an insane amount of research (as I always do), we ultimately decided to book our Komodo tour package with Travass Life. The itinerary included everything on my Komodo bucket list and then some, and promised delicious sounding Indonesian hot meals, fresh fruit juices multiple times per day, and a personal photographer with a DRONE.

We were shocked that meals consisted of freshly caught fish, juicy watermelon and dragonfruit (among other exotic fruits), healthy veggies, and enough variety so we never got bored of boat food, as well as snacks throughout the day; and nope, we never went hungry.

We were lucky that the company’s spankin’ new boat was juuuuust finished right before our trip, and we got to sail on the fully-equipped Papiton (which was an absolute dream).

Our boat consisted of 12 passengers and a handful of crew members, all sharing a few rooms and 3 bathrooms. My husband and I opted for a private room with a comfy full-size bed, and I was in awe of our space on the boat. The deck area was large enough to fit all of us comfortably, with bean bag chairs and chaise lounges for relaxing during our island hopping adventures. 

Are you planning a trip to the Komodo Islands any time soon?! What are you most excited for?

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September 16, 2020 at 2:21 pm

Thanks for this post. It's inspired me to venture from Bali to Komodo when we go next year 🙂 I'm even looking into Trevass Life for our liveaboard experience.

September 17, 2020 at 7:03 pm

You'll have the best time, promise! It's such a stunning set of islands!

April 20, 2022 at 11:36 am

Hi! I am wondering if this company (Travass life) had you wire them money for the payment? I have never paid like this before, so I am a little worried about it. Please let me know if you can! I really appreciate your blog and am using it a lot for my upcoming trip to Indonesia!

Thank you 🙂

April 20, 2022 at 2:58 pm

I just took a look in my emails and it looks like we were able to pay via PayPal (after asking them) — I’d ask if you can! Komodo was absolutely GORGEOUS and I can’t wait for you to go! Glad my blog is helpful! You’ll love Indonesia; we’re dying to go back!

November 17, 2022 at 9:24 am

How did you find the accommodations on the boat? Do you know which boat of theirs you were on?

November 17, 2022 at 10:02 pm

We had a full size bed and it was pretty comfy! A shared bathroom. Way better than we had thought it’d be! I’m not sure exactly what boat we were on, but it was definitely on the newer side and we loved it!

April 19, 2023 at 5:44 am

Hi Jess – thanks for writing about your experience and your trip in such detailed way. I quite enjoy your style of writing! I have couple of question: how was the boat itself? was it air conditioned? how were the bathrooms? private per room? I have also read that the shared/semi-private trips only depart on certain days of the week. is that true? My wife suffers from migraines and having an air conditioned room will ensure us not ruining our trip. We were able to get a room in one of the accommodations on the islands closer to the national park and were thinking of doing the day trips they offer. But now after reading your blog, I am second guessing myself 🙂

April 19, 2023 at 12:11 pm

So glad the you enjoyed the post! If you can, I highly recommend the 3 day/2 night sailing experience. By taking day tours, you will be essentially losing out on a lot of time, and we felt sleeping on the boat and looking up at the stars was an experience second to none. The company we used (Travass Life) has quite a few boats, so I would highly recommend reaching out to them to check for exact accommodations (air conditioning, bathrooms, etc). We were lucky that we were on a brand new boat — I do remember we had a shared bathroom, but a couple who picked a different room had a private bathroom upstairs. Definitely ask them; such a great company and we loved our entire experience and would definitely do it again!

July 1, 2023 at 9:25 pm

We stopping at Komodo Island for just one day on an P & O cruise, how do we book tickets with a park guide to see the dragons. The ones that i have seen all come from mainland, where as we just want to book a park ranger so we can get off the cruise ship and see the dragons. Any help would be very much appreciated.

July 11, 2023 at 9:41 am

Hmm.. I really don’t know! I’m sorry I can’t be helpful! 🙁

November 23, 2023 at 4:13 am

I love your blog. It’s full of details and beautiful pictures. Thank you. Now I wanna go. Great job!

January 20, 2024 at 10:59 pm

Komodo really is a special place! And oh so beautiful! Highly recommend it!

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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!

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

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

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.

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

⌚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

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.

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.

🥇Viator Badge of Excellence |⌚11 Hours | ⭐5 Stars | ⛵Shared Boat | 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦Sharing Tour | BOOK IT ➡️

✅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

🥇Viator Badge of Excellence |⌚10 Hours | ⭐4.5 Stars | ⛵Private Boat | 😎Private Tour | BOOK IT ➡️

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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THE BEST CHOICE 1 Day Tours To Komodo

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Day Tours To Komodo is the most popular daily boat tour into Komodo National Park . This day trip is available both from Labuan Bajo and from Bali. There will be 2 options for the boat when you are going with this tour; using a local wooden boat tour (the boat has no cabin) and using a speedboat. You can use a local wooden boat with a cabin if you are traveling with children so that you may take a rest in the cabin if you need to.

Destinations | Day Tours to Komodo

Komodo dreamland tour offers day tours to Padar Island , Komodo Island, Pink Beach, and Manta Point. Day tours to Komodo start early around 5:30 AM from Labuan Bajo. Komodo island is the island where to see Komodo dragons besides Rinca Island.

The first destination is Padar Island, a trip that takes 3 hours (Local wooden boat no cabin). Bear in mind that the boat engine sometimes sounds loud when you use this type of boat. Along the way, you can only be amazed by the beauty of the surrounding scenery. It feels like being in the Jurassic Park movie set.

PADAR ISLAND

The fact of Padar Island is one of the favorite destinations! Hiking to the top of Padar Island takes around 15 minutes. Hiking to Padar Island is not too heavy, compared to the previous condition which was no cement step ladder and today you will find it. The first stop of the Day Tours To Komodo has just finished.

KOMODO ISLAND

Until on the island of Komodo, we are gathered to meet with the ranger. Paying for the tickets. Briefing briefly, choose the 3 options trekking ( short: 45”-1 hour, medium: 1-1,5 hours, long: 2 hours) then we will start trekking. July is the season for Komodo to have matting. Komodo is more difficult to find this month. They are on the mountain a lot or in hidden areas. Sometimes you find only 1 or 2 Komodo. The second stop of Day Tours To Komodo has just finished.

The third stop is Pink Beach! Arriving near Pink Beach, the boat stops for snorkeling. Pink Beach is really good for swimming ‘pretty’ for those who are not good at swimming. The water is clear, the waves are not too big. The third stop of the Day Tours To Komodo has just finished.

TAKA MAKASAR

Taka Makassar is a very small island. This island will look beautiful when the seawater is receding. Where the sand is soft white and surrounded by turquoise waters. Usually, visitors will be brought here before heading to Manta Point Komodo. The combination of white sand and clear sea water is so captivating.

The color of the sand on this beach is so unique, some are white and some are pink. However, the pink sand here is not as much as it is in Pink Beach. Here, the sand is smooth and rough, and many corals die on it. The beach surrounding Takak Makassar is very shallow and tour boats cannot dock to its shores.

Taka Makassar is still in the tourist area of Komodo National Park. Where the location is right next to Komodo Island. Similar to Manta Point, to go to Taka Makassar, usually use a tour boat that has been arranged by a travel agent parked in the middle of the sea. Then take a small boat to visit Manta Point Taka Makassar Komodo.

MANTA POINT

Finish from Pink Beach, the boat moves towards Manta Point, a place where manta rays usually gather. If you are lucky, you will find them gather around. Manta Point is the last destination for island-hopping that day. The return trip will be spent around 2.5 hours. We will arrive again in Labuan Bajo port around 6 pm. The fourth stop of Day Tour To Komodo has just finished.

KANAWA ISLAND

Kanawa Island is the last destinations on day tours to Komodo. It is a small island that has crystal clear sea water with white sand and very beautiful coral reefs. As the last destination on a day tours to Komodo and other overnight boat tours , this island has a gradation of blue sea water and is very suitable as a tourist spot to relieve fatigue due to busy work. The tiny huts on the beach and the shade of the Ketapang tree will amaze you and feel the luckiest person on earth who can enjoy its beauty. Kanawa Island is one of the most popular destinations for local and foreign tourists on Flores Island, Labuan Bajo.

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PLAN YOUR PERFECT TOUR TO KOMODO ISLAND INDONESIA

Discover the best things in komodo and flores island.

Trip Type Adventure Tour Day Tour Liveaboard Package Tour SEARCH NOW

We offer Komodo Tours , Komodo Package Tours , Komodo Liveaboard Tours and Komodo Day tours to discover Komodo Dragon island in Komodo National Park . Our Tours to Komodo Island aim to explore Komodo National Park which include three major islands: Komodo, Rinca and Padar  as well as numerous smaller islands. I t is creating a total surface area (marine and land) of 1817km (proposed extensions would bring the total surface area up to 2,321km2). Our Komodo Tours only offer the best things to explore Komodo National park . Whether it is about how we can meet the Dragon in Komodo and Rinca Island or how we can enjoy swimming with Manta rays or just snorkel around the fabulous Pink beach .

What is the best of Komodo Tours ?

The best Komodo tours depends of what do you want to explore. Komodo Dragon is the star of the show in Komodo National Park . But the natural spectacle in Komodo National Park goes beyond those dangerous lizards. All the  top things to do in Komodo Islands are related to nature, so be prepared for an overdose of stunning views, crystal clear water, colored corals, curious fishes, giant bats, sun and sweat. The perfect combination for an unforgettable adventure trip to Komodo island .

Is Komodo Tours the best way to discover the awesome spots of Komodo National Park ? Yes, indeed you need to plan tours to komodo island properly. There are many awesome spots in Komodo National Park , therefore it is very important to plan your Komodo tours well in advance.

How to do Komodo Tours?

We offer the best selections of Komodo Tours for your reference. In fact, all Komodo Tours that feature in our list are the most frequently asked Program by our Clients. And we also design the best Komodo tours which includes the highlights of Komodo Island and then feature in our list of Komodo tours . So, our customers have choices which Komodo Tours are fit their planning to have trip to Komodo island .

Our Komodo Tours mostly start from Labuan Bajo . Because Labuan Bajo is the launching point to explore Komodo National Park . We also offer Komodo tour from Bali . It is easy because there are daily flights from Bali to Komodo Airport in Labuan Bajo . Komodo Day Tours from Bali is also possible but only to see the Dragons in Rinca Island .

We are happy to work for a Tailor made program of Komodo tours as you wish. Therefore please fee free to contact us and let us know what kind of Komodo tours are very attractive for you.

Komodo Dragon Tour

• Meet the Komodo dragons on Komodo island
• Snorkeling at Pink Beach
• See the Dragon in Rinca Island
• Enjoy Liveaboard in Komodo National Park

Trekking Komodo and Rinca

• Trekking in Rinca island to encounter the dragons
• Trekking to the summit of Padar Island
• Trekking on Komodo Island

Komodo Day Tour

• Meet the biggest Lizard on Earth
• Guided trek on Komodo and Rinca Island
• Enjoy the amazing Waters of Pink Beach
• Snorkeling in some of the clearest water in the world

Rinca Island Tour

• Guided trek on Rinca Island
• Visit Hatamin Island to see Coral conservation

Komodo Liveaboard

• Visit one of Only Steven Pink Beaches in the world
• Snorkeling in clear water of Kelor Island

Komodo Package Tour

• Swim with Manta Rays
• Guided trek on Komodo and Rinca Island to see komodo dragon
• Private-based Cruise journey to visit surrounding islands
• Snorkeling in some of the clearest water in the world, Kelor and Pink Beach

Komodo Highlights Tour

• Enjoy the picturesque sunset at the island of bats, Kalong Island

Komodo Island Tour

• Visit one of the Only Steven Pink Beaches in the world
• Snorkeling in some of the clearest water in the world, Kelor Island

Flores Island Tours

Although we offer the most Komodo tours , but we also include Flores Island Tours. Flores island tours aims to discover the best Places on Flores as the main Island. Flores island in East Nusa Tenggara province is one of Indonesia’s Lesser Sunda Islands. Situated to the east of Sumbawa and Komodo island and southeast of Timor, Flores sits just across the Sumba Strait from Sumba island. To the north, beyond the Flores Sea is Sulawesi. Flores island , whose name is derived from the Portuguese colonists’ word for ‘flowers’, is the 10th biggest island in Indonesia. Dotted by volcanoes that are often surrounded by terraced valleys then ringed by glorious beaches, the island of Flores is a fabulous destination for adventurers, nature lovers and explorers.

Flores Komodo Tour

• Trekking to Kelimutu 3 color lakes
• Explore Riung 17 Island

Kelimutu Komodo Tour

• Visit Kelimutu 3 colored Lakes
• Sunset on Top of Kelimutu Mountain over the lakes
• Discover the Dragon in Komodo National Park
• Snorkel in turquoise waters of Kelor Island and Pink Beach

Flores Highlights Tour

• Trekking to Wae Rebo
• Overnight in Traditional House
• Enjoy Sunset over the 3 colored lakes Kelimutu
• Explore 17 Islands in Riung National Park

Komodo Tour with Ca-ci Dance

• Manggaraians Fighting Dance; Ca-Ci
• Discover the Old City of Ruteng
• Guided Trek in Komodo and Rinca Island to see the komodo dragon
• Enjoy the best sunset from the Island of Bats, Kalong Island

Flores Komodo Discovery Tour

Komodo Wae Rebo Village

• Overnight at the cone-shaped traditional house
• 3 hours trekking to Wae Rebo Village

Komodo Boat Charter

Once you plan to do Komodo Tours , it is necessary to know that you are going to explore Komodo National Park . We offer Komodo Tours on Liveaboard to explore the islands and islets. It is the best way to discover the awesome parts of Komodo and surroundings. On shore it is an amazing museum diorama of the Mesozoic era dry tundra and reptilian supremacy. Komodo’s symbol of international fame is its dragons , the world’s largest living lizard. In the sea it is the vibrant color and exotic life that will enchant divers and snorkelers alike as endless schools of fish ride the waterways rushing up from deep sea vents, below them the seabed is covered with a thick carpet of florescent corals and marine invertebrates, an underwater photographers paradise.

Heaven Glory Fast Boat Komodo

Mutiara Flores Boat Komodo

Sipakatau Boat Komodo

Choose your komodo tours with ease.

Komodo Tours aims to discover Komodo Island and surroundings which is located inside of Komodo National Park . Our Komodo Tours mostly starts from Labuan Bajo on the western tip of Flores Island with Boats, Luxury Liveaboard or one Day trip with speedboat or local wooden Boat s. We offer Komodo Package Tours from Bali that is included flights and transfers in Bali, it is easier for our clients since mostly they have program and some overnight stay in Bali before doing Komodo Tours .

Komodo dragons are the star of the show in Komodo National Park where you can find the most in Rinca Island and Komodo island. It is the most interesting and attractive thing, and also the main reason why we need to come to Komodo Island and island inside of Komodo national park . Actually, there are many other things to see such as fabulous Pink Beach, enchanting view from Padar Island and also superb underwater paradise for snorkelers and divers

Komodo Tours is not only about how to discover Komodo Dragons but also the unforgettable and complete experience to explore Komodo National Park . We offer also Komodo Liveaboard tours to explore superb underwater paradise for snorkelers and divers, fabulous Pink Beach, enchanting view from Padar Island, swimming with Manta Rays, wonderful Sunset from the Boat and relax on the beach.

A Guide to Planning the Perfect Komodo Island Tour

Venture out of your comfort zone and explore the wild beauty of Indonesia on a fantastic Komodo Island tour.

You leave the lush green hills of Flores to explore the Komodo National Park archipelago with the raw sapphire-blue ocean waters!

Hi, we’re Rach & Marty!

We’ve visited every country in the world and want to help you get the most out of your travels!

Whether you need an expertly planned itinerary , some experienced hints and tips , or just craving a delicious food adventure , we’ve got you covered!

We may earn affiliate commissions from websites we link to, at no cost to you. Click here for details.

Enjoy snorkelling along the pink beach, climb to the top of Padar Island to see black, pink and white sand beaches change colour at sunrise and of course see the famous Komodo Island Dragon! 

Yes, Komodo National Park is the only place to see wild Komodo dragons. And if you are lucky, you might swim with the mantra rays . 

We did all of that on our Komodo Island Tour as you need to book a tour to visit the Komodo National Park.

The islands are far away so you either need to book a private boat or join an organised tour.

We visited Komodo National Park in February 2023 so all information here is up to date.

So much has changed here in the last two years and we were surprised to discover that prices for Komodo National Park and Komodo Island tours almost doubled. Many other blogs are now outdated so we decided to write this detailed guide on Komodo National Park with the correct information.

Use this guide to help plan your once-in-a-lifetime trip and make the most out of your tour to Komodo Island!

Before you pack your bags and head to the airport at Labuan Bajo, it’s important to do some research to get the most out of your Komodo Island tour.

I will explain where you need to go and how to get there and of course how to choose the best Komodo Island Tour and what to expect. 

Table of Contents

Komodo Island Tour Map

Everything you need to know to book your Komodo Island Tour:

Where is komodo island.

Komodo Island is part of Komodo National Park. 

To get here, you will need to fly to the nearest town, Labuan Bajo, which has very affordable flights from Denpasar in Bali or Jakarta in Indonesia. You can search for the best fl ights here; however , they’re usually around $50 each way. 

Alternatively, you can also take a boat from Bali via Lombok onto Labuan Bajo, but that takes some time. I’d recommend you visit local travel agencies in Bali to make a reservation.

From Labuan Bajo, you can reach Komodo Island on a boat – private or as part of a tour. There are a few options, more on which Komodo Island Tour to choose from below in this blog.

Where can you see Komodo Island Dragon?

The Komodo dragon can be found on Komodo Island as well as on Rinca Island, Dasami Island and even back on the main island of Flores. As the Komodo Dragon can swim, they have migrated from Komodo Island to the nearby island, but the best place to see the Komodo Dragon is on Komodo Island.

Most visitors see them at Komodo Island, and we were lucky to see five of them during our visit!

How to travel to Komodo National Park in Indonesia?

The only way to get to Komodo National Park in Indonesia is by boat. You may hire a private boat to get there, or you can join a Komodo Island Tour. There are also options for fast and slow boats and overnight journeys exploring the Komodo National Park for longer. 

How much does it cost to visit Komodo Island?

What is the Komodo island tour price? The cost of getting to Komodo Island has increased in 2023. First, you must pay for the boat or tour to get there. We have asked many travel agencies in Labuan Bajo, and these are the prices given in February 2023:

Slow Boat 1 Day Tour  – From IDR 650,000 (USD 43) per person /10-15 people on board. Start at 6 am and back around 5 pm.

Stops usually include Komodo Island, Pink Beach and snorkelling at Manta Point. 

Fast Boat 1 Day Tour  – IDR 1,300,000 (USD 86) per person /8-15 people on the small speed boat and 30-30 on the bigger speed boat. The tour usually starts at 5 or 6 am and returns at 6 pm.

Stops usually include Padar Island, Komodo Island, Pink Beach, Makasar Island for snorkelling, Manta Point and Kanawa Island.

Slow Boat 1 Night/ 2 Days  – The Most Popular Option – 3 cabins on the boat (or more; always check before making a reservation) /IDR 1,800 000  – 2,000,000 (USD 120 – 132) per person for a shared cabin with AC and IDR 2,500,000 (USD 165) per person for a private cabin with AC.

Slow Boat 2 Nights/ 3 Days and longer duration are also available 

Komodo Island Tour from Bali –  Yes, you also take a boat from Bali to Lombok and then to Flores. It will take 2 nights and 3 days to reach Komodo, and you need to check what is included and if it’s worth the price, as you can simply fly to Labuan Bajo. 

What are the Komodo National Park Fees in 2023?

This is where it got a bit complicated as the prices change depending on the tour and what you visit. We took the 2-day/1-night Komodo Island Tour and the fee was IDR 500,000 (USD 33) each which included six places we visited (a detailed itinerary is listed below).

We were a bit confused as when we looked up the cost of the Komodo National Park it said the cost was IDR 150.000 (USD 10), but we had no idea that that was just for Komodo Island and other places had separate fees as well.

So budget about IDR 400,000- 500,000 per person in cash.

Here are the prices for Komodo National Park as they were in Feb 2023. 

• Komodo Island entrance fee is IDR 150.000 per person (working days) and IDR 250.000 per person (public holidays)
• Sports and recreation fee on Rinca Island is IDR 100.000 per person
• Sport and recreation fee on Komodo IDR 100.000 per person
• The hiking fee for Rinca is IDR 5000 per person
• The hiking fee for Komodo Island is IDR 5000 per person
• Wildlife observation for Komodo IDR 10.000 per person
• Wildlife observation on Rinca Island IDR 10.000 per person
• The Padar Island entrance fee is IDR 150.000 per person
• The Kanawa Island entrance fee is IDR 100.000 per person
• Snorkelling fee IDR 50.000 per person
• Dive entrance fee IDR 100.000 per person
• The Ranger fee is IDR 120.000 per group of up to 5 people

Please Note:  The Komodo entrance fees are subject to change without any notice. 

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

After many protests from locals, this plan was put on hold as most tourists visiting Komodo are usually more budget travellers. 

How to choose the best Komodo Island Tour?

Book before online vs book when you arrive.

If you are short on time or just want to be ready to depart the next day when you arrive, the best idea is to book your Komodo Island Tour online.

It means you don’t waste any time and it can work really well if you have a group.

One Day Komodo Trip – Set sail from Labuan Bajo and spend a day exploring the islands of the Komodo National Park. See the Komodo Dragons on Komodo Island, hike around the stunning volcanic landscapes of Padar Island, and enjoy many stops to swim and snorkel, including the popular Manta Point and Pink Beach. This tour includes visiting at least three islands in the UNESCO-listed Komodo National Park and free pick-up/drop off from your hotel. (Entrance fees are additional).

1 Day Komodo Trip By Luxury Fast Boat Join Group  – Get to see more of Komodo Islands in less time when you join this guided tour on a high-powered speed boat. See Komodo dragons, snorkel with manta rays at Manta Point; and swim on a pretty pink beach on Komodo Island, too. This tour will have you mesmerized by dramatic views from Padar Island; relaxing on beautiful Taka Makassar Island, and time to snorkel at Kanawa Island. This is the most popular day tour package that includes lunch, water and soft drinks. (entrance fees are additional).

2 Nights/ 3 Days Komodo Islands Private Boat Trip (for 2 or more people)  – Explore the wildlife and epic landscapes of the Komodo Islands and surrounding areas on this 3-day, 2 night boat adventure. Most meals are included and this trip provides you with a more personal experience.

Board a private boat and spend your days exploring Rinca, Kelor, Kalong, Padar, Punya, and Kanawa islands. Enjoy fantastic activities like snorkeling, hiking, and swimming as you sail through this beautiful part of Indonesia (entrance fees are additional).

I highly recommend this option if you’ve got the time – it’s an unforgettable experience! If you’re travelling during high season, I would strongly recommend pre-booking this trip to avoid missing out.

If you have more time, you can explore the town of Labuan Bajo and ask around for prices for the Komodo Island tours.

Each travel agent works with different companies/boats, and prices vary, with some places quoting IDR 200,000 – 500,000 per person for a tour that sounds exactly the same in inclusions/standard of the boat as the previous agency just quoted us.

In the end, we booked our Komodo Island Tour with Yunita at Alexandra Komodo Tour as she has an official travel agency, and we liked her explanation and information the best. 

Her office is on the main road, and you can find the location here on Google Maps .

We ended up booking the 2-day/1-night tour on Rainbow Star Boat, which has 3 cabins in total. Another couple booked the private AC cabin with a double bed, and we had the cabin with 4 beds (2 bunk beds), but it was just the two of us.

There was another cabin with 2 bunk beds that could also be used. 

The boat was spacious, especially the rooftop where you could sit or lay for hours and watch the scenery, simply perfect at sunset. Meals were prepared by the cook on board – Indonesian cuisine. The food was good.

You can bring your beers or soda on board and keep them chilled in the cooler. Coffee, tea and bottles of drinking water are provided.

Should you book a day trip or overnight tour to Komodo Island?

This was another important decision to make.

The slow boat day trip is the cheapest option, but it means you don’t see many stops.

The fast boat day trip can be great if you are short on time and want to see more places. And maybe if you don’t want to sleep on the boat and spend overnight.

The overnight slow boat is perfect for those who crave adventure and would like to spend extended time in the Komodo National Park. It will also allow you to watch the sunset on the boat and the sunrise at Padar Island. We also wanted enough time to enjoy the places we’d be visiting, as opposed to being on a stricter time schedule that perhaps the 1 Day Tour doesn’t cater for.

It is the most expensive option, but we felt like this was the right choice for us. We were also super stoked as it was only 4 of us, and we had a lovely couple to share the boat with.

Our guide Dennis was great, attentive and knowledgable. 

What does the Komodo Island Tour include?

The packages typically include lodging, meals, water, snorkelling equipment, and a guide but not the National Park entrance fees. That is always additional. You will pick up your snorkelling gear from the travel agency – make sure it fits and is good enough quality.

Consider gathering friends together to create a larger group – large groups often get discounted rates and you can always negotiate.

Our 2-Day/1-Night Adventure on the Boat Itinerary

As mentioned, we ended up booking the overnight tour and since it was the rainy season, this itinerary might be slightly different. 

Of course, weather plays a big part, and the guide and crew might change things around. But to help you plan and get excited about your own Komodo Island Tour, here are details of the places we have visited on our tour.

Kelor Island

Our first stop was at Kelor Island. A small island, you can hike up for a view of the beautiful turquoise waters below and the Rinca Island on the horizon. We also went for a swim at the beach.

Manjarite Beach 

Our second stop was snorkelling near Manjarite Beach. It was phenomenal. So many types of fish, and the coral was quite colourful too. We absolutely loved it.

Kalong Island

Our first day came to an end near Kalong Island. It is home to thousands of fruit bats, and each day at sunset, they fly across to Rinca island in search of food. It’s quite spectacular to see as the sun sets down. We then continued and docked near Padar Island for the night. 

Padar Island

This was an absolute highlight of our Komodo Island Tour. We woke up at 4.30 a.m and started our hike up the hill in the darkness. You reach the top in about 30 minutes (stairs the whole way) and then wait until dawn. 

The island appears below, and soon you’ll be able to spot the three beaches: black rock, and pink and white sand beaches. The view is just incredible. We never got blue clear skies, but it was still amazing. During the wet season, the hills are lush and green, while during the dry season, they are mostly brown. 

The walk down is easy, but in the peak season, it might get pretty hot, so best to bring a water bottle. You’ll notice a bunch of great photo opportunities on the way down, so allow for this. We then had breakfast on the boat. 

Shortly after Padar Island, we arrived at Pink Beach for snorkelling and wow! The beach was so pink, and although it was a cloudy day, you could see it clearly.

And the snorkelling at Pink Beach was even better than at Rinca Island. We also took some awesome drone shots.

Komodo Island

And then it was time for the island that everyone was waiting for. No Komodo Island Tour is complete without stopping here to see the famous Komodo Dragons!

We were provided with a ranger guide and set off to look for them, but since two of them were already spotted near the beach we headed straight there.

Are Komodo Dragon Endangered?

Yes, Komodo dragons are endangered by the IUCN’s Red Lis t.

Komodo Dragon is the world’s largest living lizard found only in Indonesia’s World Heritage-listed Komodo National Park and neighbouring Flores, and just 3,458 adult and baby species are left in the wild, according to estimates.

The Komodo Dragon can grow up to be 3 metres long, and it can be dangerous. Komodo dragons are not friendly and should never be approached in the wild. They are wild animals and are very territorial, so you must keep your distance. 

They have shark-like teeth and poisonous venom that can kill a person within hours of a bite.

We also took a short walk through the island with the guide who spotted another Komodo dragon, and learned more about their way of living. 

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Manta Ray Point

We finished our 1N/2D Komodo Islands Tour with a bang! Although we visited Komodo National Park during the rainy seasons, we were very lucky with the weather. 

As we approached the Mantra Ray Point, we could see the storm and rain coming , but that didn’t stop us from jumping in to snorkel with these giant manta rays. 

A truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

We then started our journey back to Labuan Bajo to finish our tour. It was around 6 pm when we arrived back at the port.

Our bags were stored at our guesthouse as you don’t want to take all your luggage on the boat, pack an overnight bag with the essentials and leave your main luggage at the hotel.

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When is the best time to visit Komodo National Park?

Generally speaking, there are two main seasons in Komodo. The rainy season and the dry season.

April to June is one of the best times to visit Komodo as the islands are still very green, with cooler nights and less chance of rain.

July and August are the main seasons here (dry months), so tours and accommodation can be pricier, and your snorkelling hiking spots in the Komodo National Park might be busy with other tourists.

Where to stay in Komodo – Labuan Bajo?

There are a number of options for hotels and accommodation in Labuan Bajo for every budget.

We stayed at Danke Lodge , and I’d highly recommend this place to stay. It isn’t located in the city centre, although it’s straightforward to get into town as Danke Lodge offers an on-call driver for free airport transfers, and he will do pick-ups and drop-offs around town for you at no additional fee.

The rooms at Danke Lodge are modern, with new beds and bedding and spacious bathrooms with a fantastic hot shower. The staff is excellent here, and the very affordable rate comes with an included tasty breakfast too.

View Availability at Danke Lodge

I’ve listed some other popular accommodation options in the city of Labuan Bajo below:

What to pack for your Komodo trip 

Before you embark on this exciting island getaway, pack the right travel gear.

Don’t forget to include a few items that could be handy during your time on Komodo Island, like insect repellent, sunglasses, sunscreen, a swimsuit, a cap or wide-brimmed hat, and appropriate clothing for the conditions. I recommend a rash vest  for snorkelling to avoid getting sunburnt and protect you from pointy coral.

And bring a power bank , it’s always super handy to have to charge your phone, cameras, etc if power isn’t available.

TIP: Leave your main luggage at the hotel in Labuan Bajo and bring a pair of shoes (sneakers are fine) for the hikes, as it will help a lot.

THE ULTIMATE SOUTHEAST ASIA PACKING LIST

Final thoughts on our Komodo Island Tour and Komodo National Park visit

From seeing Komodo Island Dragon in the wild to snorkelling in pristine waters to swimming with manta rays, there is certainly no shortage of exciting experiences. This is one of the most amazing places to visit, and we have seen many incredible destinations since we visited every country in the world .

So pack your bags and come to Indonesia and don’t miss the beauty of Komodo And Flores Island.

If you are flying via Bali, you might enjoy our blog on the 5 Best Warungs in Canggu, Bali , and our complete Flores Island in 7 Days Itinerary .

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Travel Tips for Southeast Asia

If you’re travelling in Indonesia, you may be interested in visiting some other countries in Southeast Asia too. This is one of our favourite regions of the world to explore. There’s just so much to see, do, and eat! And, the best part is that it’s affordable – whether you’re travelling solo, with friends, or with your family.

You’ll need to pack the essentials for your trip – and our Ultimate Packing List for Southeast Asia  has got you covered.

If you’re considering visiting Thailand (and we highly recommend you do), these  26 Best Travel Tips for Thailand  will give you a good idea of what to expect. We love Chiang Mai in northern Thailand, it’s full of culture, stunning scenery, and great food.

Check out our  15 Best Chiang Mai restaurants and places to eat  and our suggestions on  where to stay in Chiang Mai – our accommodation guide.

And, if you plan to discover the island of Phuket, we recommend you check out Kata Beach and these awesome things to do when you’re here .

For more great tips, our top money-saving hacks,  and our recommendations about the best websites to save you money , head to our Travel Resources Page .

Travel Planning Resources

✈️ Flights : We use Skyscanner to book cheap flights worldwide.

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🚘 Car Rental : We use DiscoverCars to book rental cars worldwide.

👫 Group Tours :  G Adventures OR compare multi-day tours worldwide with Tourradar .

📸 Day Tours & Trips :  GetYourGuide  & Viator are the only two platforms you need.

📚 Lonely Planet: The Best Range of Travel Guides & Ebooks , and FREE Shipping! (use code RACHELDAVEY10 for a 10% discount)

🎒 Luggage :  Osprey Farpoint 40L Backpack  or  Samsonite Luggage Range.

🛄 What to Pack:  Don’t forget your Universal charger and a good  power bank .  To help you pack the essentials, here is our ULTIMATE Packing List for all Travellers .

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✅ Check out our Travel Gear  and  Travel Resources for more valuable tips to save you money!

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2 comments . leave new.

Thanks for detail of your adventures

Thanks for the 2023 updated prices regarding the tours. I paid 1.2M IDR (Aug 2023) for the one-day speedboat tour, which I booked online before getting to Labuan Bajo. I thought I had been ripped off after checking the prices listed in some travel blogs from a few years ago, but no… prices have doubled within a couple of years! 1.25-1.5M IDR for such tour was the typical price I found in most of the travel agencies in Labuan Bajo.

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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!

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 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.

Read More: Padar Island

The iconic Padar Island viewpoint

Beaches in all directions!

• 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.

Read More: Pink Beach Komodo Island

The extraordinary pink sand beaches at Komodo National Park

Pink Beach Komodo Island

• 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!

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 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

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Hi thank you for sharing information about Komodo Island

Thank you for the wonderful blog. its really useful and informative.

Brilliant, organized, informative post!!!

I really appreciate your day trip recommendation. Is that with a speedboat or slow boat?

Do you have any recommendations for an upscale two or three day liveaboard boat?

Hi Clay! The day tour recommended in the article is a speedboat tour, which is normally faster and more efficient, so you get to have more time on the islands compared to the slow wooden boats. We normally do day trips instead of liveaboard, but I know GetYourGuide has a very high rated 3 day or 4 day tour with a combination of hotels and some liveaboard action. Cheers

Io sono disabile causa un incidente di macchina avvenuto in Germania nel 2009 . Ho una moglie indonesiana e un figlio di 10 anni. Sono al momento in vacanza a Lombok. Un disabile può vedere le lucertole di Komodo su una delle isole??? Grazie

Ciao Giuseppe. Dovrai prendere una barca, ma sì, penso che sia possibile per una persona disabile vedere i draghi sull’isola di Komodo. La spiaggia è pianeggiante e facile da navigare. Grazie per il tuo commento!

Hi, I’m currently in Bali on a holiday. As I was walking in Seminyak, which is near the shops, I saw a massive Komodo dragon in one of the streams that are between two buildings. It was walking pretty fast and I couldn’t take a pic but yea I think there are Komodo dragons in Bali just very rare. That was crazy tho

Hi. That would be a monitor lizard, which looks kind of similar to a Komodo dragon, but a bit smaller. They are fairly common in Bali and always fun to see. 🙂

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Christina in the Clouds

Asia , Indonesia , Itineraries · September 2, 2023

Komodo Island Day Trip: EVERYTHING You Need To Know

Find out all about THE BEST Komodo Island day trip below!

With its real-life Komodo Dragons, Barbie-pink beaches, jaw-dropping viewpoints and whale sharks galore. Komodo Island National Park sounds like something out of a fantasy novel .

Nevertheless, I can assure you that this stunning Indonesian national park doesn’t just exist in mere fantasy but in real life too. 

It’s not only the landscapes that are out-of-this-world. There’s plenty more natural beauty to be discovered below sea level too.

Komodo Island National Park has been regularly voted as one of the best diving spots in Indonesia and also one of the best diving locations on the planet!

With dolphins, whale sharks, manta rays, turtles and a whole host of colourful fish, it really is a scuba-diver haven . 

After visiting 54 countries and many national parks, I can safely say that Komodo Island National Park is one of the most awe-inspiring places I have ever visited in my life . And, my Komodo Island day trip is not one I’ll be forgetting anytime soon. 

Since experiencing my one-day trip to Komodo Island National Park, I have not stopped talking about it to everyone I meet, encouraging them to add this majestic place to their bucket list.

I hope this post convinces you to do the same. 

So, what do you need to know about a Komodo Island Day Trip? Read on below to find out!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you decide to make a verified purchase through the links in this post I will earn a small commission. This will be at no extra cost to you. Thank you 🙂

Komodo Island Day Trip VS 4 Day Live-aboard Trip

There are two types of tours you can do when visiting Komodo National Park.

The first (and most popular) option is a 3-4 day live-aboard boat trip. Here, you will sail around the islands, explore several new spots each day and interact with lots of marine life along the way.

The second option is a day trip to Komodo Island where you will get to see the top highlights of Komodo National Park across a 10/11-hour period. 

Usually, the biggest influence in deciding what type of tour to book comes down to two things:  time and money .

Whilst, yes, you will get to see and do a whole lot more on a 3-4 day live-aboard boat trip than you would on a day trip. However, it is significantly more expensive and time-consuming. 

I think a day trip to Komodo Island is better suited for someone either on a tight budget or short on time (or both).

I decided to book a day trip to Komodo Island simply because I didn’t have enough time, as I was only in the region for the weekend. 

What I will say is that I’ve never once felt like I’ve “missed out” by choosing to do a day trip to Komodo Island over the live-aboard experience.

I still got to see all of the places that I had dreamt about seeing for a very long time. I left the tour with a very happy heart and another item ticked off the bucket list.

How to get to the Komodo Island s

In order to go on a Komodo Island day trip you’ll need to be in the town of Labuan Bajo on Flores Island.  Labuan Bajo is approximately a 1-hour flight from Bali and 2.5 hours from Jakarta with regular daily flights.  

You’ll need to arrive in Labuan Bajo at least 1 day before your tour starts. Once you have arrived I’d highly recommend staying at a hotel/hostel called Seaesta Komodo .

It’s reasonably priced with both dorms and private rooms and is conveniently located close to the port.

It also has a rooftop pool and onsite bar and restaurant.

Who to book a Komodo Island Day Trip with?

When deciding who to book a Day Trip with, it’s super important to look at both the itinerary and the reviews.

Are they taking you to all the top spots in Komodo National Park and are the guests raving about the experience? 

After careful consideration looking at both itineraries and reviews, I decided to book with a company called Bintang Komodo Tours through Viator.

I had such an incredible experience with them, everything was perfect from start to finish and I genuinely cannot recommend them enough. 

What I loved most about Bintang Komodo Tours is not only how friendly and knowledgeable the tour guides are, but also how well-planned the itinerary is.

I never once felt rushed to leave a stop, and felt like we had a really good amount of time in each place.  On top of this, Bintang Komodo Tours is super accommodating to solo travellers .

The guide constantly checked up on me and even offered to be my personal photographer at each stop.

By the way, this is not a sponsored post, just a positive review from one very happy customer!

How much is the Komodo Island day trip with Bintang Komodo Tours?

The cost of the day trip to Komodo Island with Bintang Komodo Tours is £114 or $145.

What’s included in the price with Bintang Komodo Tours?

The price of the trip includes transport, lunch and water/soft drinks.

Do I have to pay any additional fees with Bintang Komodo Tours?

Yes. On top of the cost of the trip, you will also have to pay a fee for visiting Padar and Komodo islands, a government tax and a snorkelling fee which is  450,000 IDR per person (£24/$30). If you wish to fly a drone in Komodo National Park you must purchase a flight licence at the National Park Office in Labuan Bajo 3 days prior to the start of your trip.

The cost of the licence is  1,000,000 IDR (£52/£66).

What’s included in the itinerary with Bintang Komodo Tours?

The below is included on the Komodo Island day trip with Bintang Komodo Tours : 

• Padar Island Trekking 
• Pink Beach Snorkeling 1 hour 
• Komodo Island Trekking 
• Taka Makassar Island Snorkeling 
• Manta Point Snorkelling ​
• Kanawa Island Snorkelling

What to Expect on a Komodo Island Day Trip

You’ll be getting an early wake-up call to begin your day trip to Komodo Island. Your tour guides will pick you up between 5-5:45 a.m. (depending on where your hotel is in Labuan Bajo). 

Once all members of the tour group have been picked up you’ll then head down to the port and jump onto the boat.

The tour guide will give you a quick briefing and also collect the 450,000 IDR fee for visiting Padar/Komodo islands, the government tax and the snorkelling fee.

You’ll then speed off to the first stop (Padar Island) and be able to watch the sunrise along the way. The journey to Padar Island is roughly 1 hour.

Stop 1 – Padar Island (1.5-2 hours)

Once you have arrived at Padar Island your guide will let you know what time they need you back at the boat.

You’ll have approximately 1.5-2 hours to hike up to and from the viewpoint at your own pace. 

The hike up to the viewpoint is around 20-30 mins.

It’s a fairly steep uphill climb but is over fairly quickly, and it really is worth the hike.

It’s one of the most stunning viewpoints you’ll ever see and you will most likely spend a lot of time taking in the view as well as lots of pictures. 

Please note there will be lots of other tourists here from different boat trips.

However, you will arrive at a really good time. Most of the people already on Padar Island are there to watch the sunrise from the viewpoint.

So by the time your boat arrives, a lot of the tourists will already be on their way back down to head to their next destination.

Stop 2 – Pink Beach (1 hour)

After a couple of incredible hours at Padar Island you’ll head to the next stop (and my personal favourite) Pink Beach. 

I’d seen pictures of Pink Beach on social media and honestly, I thought all of the images had been heavily edited to make the beach look pinker than it was.

Mostly because I have been to “pink” beaches before and they didn’t look pink at all.

Anyway, to my pleasant surprise, upon arriving at Pink Beach I could see that it was genuinely as pink as I had seen in the pictures .

I was totally gobsmacked at just how beautiful it is. 

The beach gets its colour from calcium carbonate materials left behind by foraminifera as well as thousands of broken coral pieces and shells. 

Pink Beach has a small beach bar where you can leave your belongings and purchase a fresh coconut. 

Visiting Pink Beach was my highlight of the day trip to Komodo Island.

Stop 3 – Komodo Island and Lunch (2 hours)

After Pink Beach, you’ll head over to Komodo Island and get to see those famous dragons.

Komodo Island National Park is renowned as the best place to see Komodo dragons, offering you the chance to get up close and personal with these majestic creatures.

Once you arrive on the island you will be met by some guides who will give you a safety briefing, some information about the island and important tips on how to behave/react around the dragons. 

There are 3 walking routes you can take around the island  (short, medium or long), and your tour group will be split up depending on preferences.

You must stay with a guide at all times, and they will lead your hiking group from the front. 

It’s almost guaranteed that you will see a Komodo Dragon and don’t be disheartened if you don’t see one on the trail, you can often f ind them lazing on the beach . 

I used to go to an Indonesian restaurant regularly as a child where they had life-size statues of Komodo Dragons and remember being so impressed by them. It felt like a real full-circle moment getting to see these majestic creatures in real life. 

Once everyone has completed their trail you will head to the lunch area and have a freshly cooked Indonesian lunch with a bottle of Bintang to wash it down with (if you wish).

Once everyone has eaten and is ready to go you’ll head on to the next stop.

Stop 4 – Manta Point Snorkelling ​(1 hour) 

After lunch, you will head to your first snorkelling stop of the day.

If you are lucky you’ll get to see some of the famous Manta Rays that can usually be found at Manta Point. 

Unfortunately on my trip, there were no Manta Rays to be seen.

After 15-20 minutes of searching the waters, the guides suggested that we head to the next spot to ensure that we weren’t wasting any precious time on the trip.

Stop 5 – Taka Makassar Island Snorkelling (1 hour)

Next up you will head to the gorgeous Taka Makassar Island which is like a little slice of the Maldives in Indonesia. 

The boat will not drop you to shore, but outside of the reef instead, and as a group you will snorkel and swim to the island.

The snorkelling I experienced here is probably some of the best snorkelling I have done in my whole life. The visibility is incredibly clear and the fish are super colorful.

We even got to see 3 rather large turtles which made this snorkelling stop extra special. 

Once you have finished your snorkelling and arrived at the shore of Taka Makassar Island, you’ll have some time to enjoy this stunning spot before heading back on the boat.

Thankfully, you won’t have to swim back out to the boat, it will be waiting closer to the island for you.

Stop 6 – Kanawa Island Snorkelling (1 hour)

I want to highlight that on my day trip to Komodo Island, we did not stop at Kanawa Island, because we spent extra time at the other stops above.

Therefore I cannot talk personally about my experience here.

However, I have heard great things (and now feel a little bitter I didn’t get to see it 😂 ). You can learn more about Kanawa Island here .

Arriving Back

In total, you will spend approximately 10-11 hours on the trip, and you will arrive back in Labuan Bajo at around 4 p.m.

Changes to the Itinerary

It’s important to note that the itinerary for the snorkelling stops on the Komodo Island day trip can change depending on the day (and the guides will always give the group a heads-up about any changes). 

They could decide to change the snorkelling spots for a number of reasons but it’s usually in order to chase marine life that’s been spotted in a certain area that’s not on the itinerary.

Additionally, the guides could also decide to skip past a scheduled itinerary stop because there is no marine life in the area, and so will make the choice to move on to give you more time somewhere else. 

For this reason, you’ll notice that the order in this blog post is different to what is listed on Viator .

We headed to Manta Point before Taka Makassar Island and also only stayed at Manta Point for 15-20 because, after some tireless searching, the guides couldn’t find any Manta Rays in the area.

Happy Exploring 

I hope this post has helped answer your questions about what to expect from a Komodo Island day trip. If you have any questions about anything in this post please feel free to reach out.

Looking for more Asia travel inspiration? Why not check out my other guides !

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One Day Tour Komodo Island

One Day Tour Komodo Island – we provide One Day Tour Komodo Island which serves a one day trip route to Komodo National Park. On this trip, We will visit the most popular destination during this trip such as: Padar Island, Komodo Island, Pink Beach and Manta Point . 

SHARED TRIP

Idr. 1.450.000 / pax, private trip, available by request, destination and activity, labuan bajo - padar island - komodo island - pink beach - manta point - taka makassar - labuan bajo.

• Pick up service from hotel in Labuan Bajo and transfer to harbour
• Heading to Padar Island by speed boat
• Trekking to the top od Padar Island - Spedn time for taking pictures, etc
• Continue trip to Komodo Island by speed boat
• Spending time at Komodo Island to do trekking and see Komodo Dragons and the others wild life
• Direct to Pink Beach for snorkeling and enjoy the pinky sandy beach
• Continue trip to Manta Point and to do snorkeling and try to find some manta reys while snorkeling
• Move to Taka Makassar and enjoy the white sandy beach and do snorkeling
• Direct to Kanawa Island for last snorkeling
• Return to Labuan Bajo harbour then transfer to hotel

Included on Price

• AC coach transfer in/drop hotel L.Bajo harbor
• Lunch Box and Mineral Water
• English Speaking Tour Gudie
• Snorkeling Gears

Excluded on Price

• Park Fees at Komodo National park (Entrance fee, Ranger Fee, Snorkeling Fee)
• Personal Travel Insurance
• Tipping ans other personal expenses

What this to bring?

• Flip flop and shoes (sport / trekking)
• Casual Clothes
• Camera, Handphone included the charger
• Cash Money for entrance fee, etc

6 Destination on One Day Tour Komodo Island

Padar island.

Padar Island is the third largest island in the Komodo National Park area. On this island we will be presented with an exotic view. This magnificent view can only be seen from the highest peak on Padar Island. And we will do trekking to the highest peak on Padar Island.

Komodo Island

Komodo Island is the largest island in Komodo National Park. Here we will have chance to see Komodo Dragons. Beside Komodo Dragons, we will also see the other wild animals such as: Timor Deer, Buffalo, Wild boar, monkey, etc. 

Pink Beach is located at Komodo Island. This place have nice pinky beach, crystal water and beautiful under mater marine life. Pink Beach is one of the best snorkeling site on Komodo National Park. We can do snorkeling and enjoy the beach here.

Taka Makassar

Taka Makassar is a small island that only consists of White Sand. The clear water and white sand views on this small island are interesting things that must be visited. In addition to enjoying the beach, visitors can also do snorkeling around this island.

Manta Point

On this One Day Tour Komodo Island, you have chance to see Manta Rey. Manta Point is the best place to see this giant fish only by snorkeling. Because the current here is quite strong, so here we only do snorkeling from the boat. And it is highly recommended to keep wearing a life jacket.

Kanawa Island

Kanawa Island is famous for its white sandy beaches and underwater life. The colorful coral reefs are the most interesting thing while snorkeling here. And snorkeling activities here can be started from the beach.

For More Information about One Day Tour Komodo Island  Please Contact Us , and just send us Whatsapp Message to get fast Responses.

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Your Cheat Sheet to Planning a Trip to Komodo Islands [2024]

Everything you need to know about planning your bucket list trip to komodo national park.

Komodo National Park is one of our favourite places in the world to visit. Over the years, it has become increasingly gentrified - from not having street lamps or pavements a few years ago, it now even has a Starbucks! It doesn't get easier to plan a trip there though as questions like how to choose a boat, what are the park fees etc, are still maddeningly opaque.

Here is everything you need to know about planning a trip. If you're ready to book, check out all the Komodo experiences here !

What are the Komodo Islands?

Most people don't know this, but the UNESCO heritage Komodo National Park doesn't just have one island, it has 29 islands. Komodo Island is just one of the many islands on Komodo National Park (more on that later).

When you visit Komodo National Park, you not only see Komodo dragons, you'll also head to other islands to see Pink Beaches, swim with Manta Rays and hike up to otherworldly view points.

How to Get There

The gateway town to Komodo National Park is Labuan Bajo (LBJ). Labuan Bajo airport has a few international direct flights, but most travellers will fly here via Jakarta or Bali (which has multiple flights a day to LBJ).

From Labuan Bajo town, it takes a couple of hours by boat to get to Komodo National Park. Most of the boat trips will offer a pick up from Labuan Bajo town.

Finally, for adventurous travellers, there is a boat that goes from Lombok to Labuan Bajo via Komodo National Park.

How to Explore Komodo National Park

You can only see Komodo National Park on an island hopping boat tour. You can either do a sightseeing boat tour or you can do a diving boat trip .

The sightseeing boat tours range from a day tour on a speedboat to a 3D2N liveaboard . Both will cover all the usual highlights like trekking with Komodo Dragons, seeing a Pink Beach, hiking to the viewpoint at Padar island and some snorkelling.

The diving boat trips range from one day leisure dives to 4 day liveaboards. They usually are only diving focused and they'll take you to some of the top dive spots but they won't go sightseeing to the various islands.

Staying in Komodo National Park

There are no hotels in Komodo National Park so generally travellers will stay in Labuan Bajo town. If you want to spend the night in Komodo National Park, you'll need to choose an overnight boat , and stay on board ( pictured ).

While there are resorts that are located on an island, and not in LBJ town, these resorts are not in Komodo National Park itself. The issue with staying in these resorts is that the join-in boat trips do not offer pick up from these resorts, so it'll be more logistically painful to do a sightseeing boat trip.

How Much Time to Spend Here

The shortest amount of time you need here is 3 days, even if you're only doing a one day speedboat trip . Because you'll fly in on the 1st day, do the speedboat trip on the 2nd day, and fly out on the 3rd day.

If you really want to see everything that Komodo National Park and Labuan Bajo has to offer, we would recommend 7 days if you're not diving (for 3D2N boat trip + 1 day road trip around LBJ + 2 days travel time). If you want to dive as well as sightsee, we would recommend at least 9 days (including travel time).

Note that the timings of the boat trips usually means you should fly in the day before your trip starts, and fly out the day after it ends.

Best Time to Go

Try to avoid the rainy season from January to March, as most boat trips don't run during this time, other than the one day speedboats. Even the one day speedboat trips may be cancelled on the day due to bad weather. If you do go then, plan for a couple of days' buffer time so you can reschedule your boat trip in case the original trip gets cancelled.

If your aim is only to see Komodo dragons, avoid mating season in July and August. You'll likely only see small Komodo dragons during this time as the large dragons are in the forest mating, and hard to find.

Finally try to avoid local holidays (for e.g. Raya) as it's way too packed then. You'll be queuing to hike up Padar, and crowding around the Mantas!

What to See & Do

Komodo island.

This is one of the two islands where Komodo dragons live, and the largest island in Komodo National Park. This is also the only island in Komodo National Park that's inhabited by humans, as Komodo village and the indigenous Ata Modo are here. Here you'll get to trek with a local guide (usually from the indigenous Ata Modo tribe!) and try to spot wild Komodo Dragons.

Tip: Usually boat trips will either visit Komodo Island or Rinca Island to see Komodo dragons. But it's a bit harder to spot them in Komodo Island as the island is larger and more wild.

Rinca Island

Home to over-1000 Komodo dragons, Rinca is the only island other than Komodo Island where you can find Komodo dragons. Though it's not as famous as Komodo Island, it's actually easier to spot Komodo dragons here as it's a smaller island with a larger population of dragons on the island!

Tip: Rinca Island is a bit more manicured, with a boardwalk and easier sightings. If you want something more wild, go to Komodo Island.

Padar Island

This is the most iconic viewpoint at Komodo National Park, and the picture you've probably seen everywhere. Here you'll do a 45 minute easy trek to the top, and get to see panoramic views of Komodo National Park. If you peek carefully in that picture, you'll see a pink beach, a black beach and a white sand beach!

Tip: If you do an overnight boat trip, you'll be able to come here for sunrise when it's a little less crowded.

There are several Pink Beaches in Komodo National Park. The Pink Beach that most boats go to is the one near Komodo Island, which is a little less pink recently as travellers take the red coral (which gives the sand its colour) home. To see the pinkest part of the beach, venture to the far end of the beach where travellers don't go, and you'll see it in a dark pink hue.

Tip: If you take a private boat or if currents permit, you can head to the pinkest (and more remote) Pink Beach near Padar Island - called Short Beach. Don't forget to leave the red coral behind 🙈

Manta Point

Here you can snorkel with giant Manta Rays! The waters here are colder, which is what the gentle Mantas like, and during Manta season you'll be able to swim with many Mantas around you.

Tip: The best time to come here is actually in rainy season from December to March where the waters are especially cold, but you'll be able to see them up to June. If you come here from July to September though the chances of seeing them are low.

Also known as Turtle Bay, Siaba Bay is home to gorgeous coral reefs and where giant turtles like to hang out because of their favourite food (sea grass!) here. Siaba Bay is one of our fave spots in Komodo - you can snorkel and dive here to see the super zen and gorgeous turtles.

Tip: Not all the boat trips go to Siaba Bay so if you do love turtles and want to come here, check the itinerary carefully or go for a private boat where you can customise your itinerary.

Kalong Island

This was our highlight when we went to Komodo National Park! Here you'll see the exodus of millions of bats at sunset and it's such a otherworldly sight. First you'll see just a handful of bats fly out, and before long the entire orange sky is entirely covered with bats.

Tip: Not all boat trips go to Kalong island. The 3D2N trips will go, but the one-day join-in speedboat trips and dive trips won't. Kalong island alone is a good reason to do a 3D2N trip or a private speedboat trip !

How to Choose a Boat Trip

Join-in vs private boat.

Most of the boat trips in Komodo are join-in boat trips , but you can charter your own private boat as well.

If you're solo/couple or want to make friends, do a join-in trip. But if you have 4 or more persons, or any time constraints, you may want to charter a private boat . It's more flexible, more comfortable and not a lot more expensive.

The join-in trips have a number of constraints that private boats don't. For e.g. if you want to do a 3D2N join-in trip you'll need to arrive by Thursday. And if you're looking to do a 2D1N trip, you'll only find basic boats willing to do that trip on a join-in basis. If you do a private trip you don't need to worry about any of this, and can customise your itinerary!

Day Trip vs Overnight

If you want to wake up with the incredible views of Komodo National Park, you'll have to do a liveaboard trip as there are no hotels in Komodo National Park. However if you would rather not spend the night on the boat, a one-day speedboat actually covers most of the destinations that the overnight boats do.

The only difference in itinerary is that on a one-day speedboat, you don't get to go to Padar Island at sunrise (which isn't the biggest deal really), and you don't get to see the exodus of bats at Kalong Island. If you really want to see Kalong Island on a one-day trip, you can charter a private speedboat .

Diving vs Sightseeing

You'll need to decide whether you want to dive or go island hopping to see all of Komodo's highlights. The dive boats usually only includes one or two highlights like trekking with Komodo dragons and Padar Island, and, on the other hand, the sightseeing boats will have snorkelling but not diving.

If you want to dive and sightsee, you'll need to do 2 separate trips. Either a 4D3N diving liveaboard trip and then a separate one day Komodo sightseeing boat trip . Or you can also do a 3D2N Komodo sightseeing boat trip and a one day leisure dive trip

Budget Boat vs Phinisi Boat

For overnight trips, you can choose between basic boats , or Phinisi boats (which is basically a deluxe or luxury boat - pictured).

A basic boat usually has on-deck sleeping and you can choose from either a 2D1N trip or a 3D2N trip. A Phinisi boat will have private rooms (some will have both private rooms and dorms), and generally have better food, and amenities.

Komodo is a complicated place, and every year, several basic boats do sink. So if you do go for a budget boat do check their safety credentials carefully.

Common Questions from Travellers

What are komodo park fees.

Generally park fees are excluded from your boat tour price, and you'll need to bring cash for the fees. Usually the amount is quoted as a range, not a fixed sum because, well, it's complicated!

Komodo park entrance fees depend on the island you're visiting, whether it's a weekday or weekend, whether you're foreigner or local, and even how many people there are on your boat. To complicate it more, there are constant talks about increasing the fees 🤷

Current fees per person/per day on weekdays: Foreigners/Kitas holders: IDR 400-500k / Indonesians: IDR 180-250k. Sundays/public holidays per person (Foreigners/kitas holders : IDR 450-550k / Indonesians : IDR 180-250k)

What should I pack?

Pack light if you're spending the night on the boat! The rooms on the boats aren't large so if you bring a large suitcase you may not even be able to open it in your room.

Pack swimwear for snorkelling (and a rashguard if you're sensitive to the cold), sea sickness pills if you're prone to motion sickness, and hiking sandals or sneakers (as you'll need grip for the Padar trek).

Can I fly out on the day my trip ends?

We don't recommend flying out on the same day. Usually the boat trips are scheduled to arrive back at Labuan Bajo between 4-6pm in the evening. However this is subject to the currents and weather, and is very unpredictable. So ideally you should plan to fly out the day after your boat trip.

Can I go on my period?

Yes you can. Some people are concerned that Komodo dragons may be aggressive towards people on their periods, but that is not a risk at all.

As with any wildlife, whether or not you're on your period, just keep a sensible distance away from the wildlife and you'll be ok.

Can I bring my drone?

Guests who bring their own drone for usage within the Komodo National Park are required to purchase a drone ticket at the National Park Office at Labuan Bajo 3 days prior to the trip. The cost of the ticket is 1 million rupiahs so please do prepare enough cash. 

Can I go from Bali to Komodo on Boat?

No you can't. You can only fly from Bali to Labuan Bajo (1.5 hours flight, multiple flights a day), which is the gateway town to all the Komodo boat trips. You can however take a sightseeing boat from Lombok to Labuan Bajo via Komodo National Park , which sails from April to December every year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Komodo National Park in Labuan Bajo, Flores, Indonesia is a UNESCO World heritage site, and one of the most beautiful places on earth. Here you can see the prehistoric Komodo Dragon (basically a giant lizard!), swim with manta rays and turtles in crystal clear waters and see surreal pink sand beaches. You’ll do an island hopping boat trip here to visit all the highlights of Komodo National Park, and you can hike, dive and snorkel when you’re here.

To safely encounter Komodo dragons in their natural habitat, it is essential to visit the Komodo National Park with an experienced guide. These local guides are knowledgeable about the dragons' behavior and will ensure your safety while maintaining a respectful distance from the animals. Additionally, it is important to follow the guidelines provided by the park and your guide, such as not feeding the dragons, wearing appropriate footwear, and staying on designated paths.

• Manta Point - Known for its large population of manta rays, this site is perfect for observing these majestic creatures up close.
• Castle Rock - An underwater pinnacle teeming with fish, sharks, and other marine life, Castle Rock is ideal for experienced divers seeking a thrilling adventure.
• Batu Bolong - A coral-covered rock formation that attracts an abundance of marine life, including turtles, reef sharks, and schools of colorful fish.
• Cannibal Rock - This dive site features stunning soft corals, sea fans, and a variety of macro creatures, making it a favorite among underwater photographers.
• Tatawa Besar - With its gentle currents, Tatawa Besar offers a relaxing drift dive along a vibrant coral reef, perfect for divers of all levels.

We would recommend not visiting Komodo National Park during January to March as this is monsoon season and most boats don't run during this time, other than the one day speedboats. Even the one day speedboat trips may sometimes be cancelled if the weather is so bad that it's deemed unsafe to go out on the day. So if you visit Komodo National Park during this period, include more buffer time just in case your initially booked trip gets cancelled because of the weather.

Other than that, the other months are fine to visit Komodo National Park. The timing that you visit will determine what you'll get to see as some months are better for Komodo dragon sightings and other months are better for Manta Ray sightings.

• For Komodo dragon sightings, the ideal time to visit is during the dry season, which typically occurs between April and November. However, it is essential to avoid the mating season (July and August) when the dragons are less active. During mating season, the large dragons would be much more difficult to spot and you'll likely only see small, monitor-lizard sized dragons.
• Manta rays on the other hand love the rainy season. So if you only care about seeing them, the rainy season from December to February can be an excellent time to visit. Although the weather is wetter, manta rays are more likely to be spotted during this period as they tend to aggregate near the surface to feed on plankton.
• To maximize your chances of seeing both Komodo dragons and manta rays, consider visiting during the shoulder months of April, May, October, and November. These months generally offer favorable weather conditions and fewer crowds, increasing your chances of memorable wildlife encounters.

More Field Notes finds

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9 DAY KOMODO ISLAND TOUR FROM LOMBOK (2024): OUR HONEST REVIEW & HOW TO BOOK!

DISCOVER THIS 9 DAY KOMODO ISLAND TOUR FROM LOMBOK!

Check out our blog post below for an honest review & guide on the TruTravel’s 9 day Komodo Island tour from Lombok !

Includes : The best Komodo Island tour operator, our in-depth tour review on what to expect, prices, what to bring, how to get there and more!

KOMODO ISLAND TOUR FROM LOMBOK: AN INTRODUCTION

Our review below of TruTravel’s “ 9 day Komodo Island tour from Lombok ” are true and honest reflections of our personal experience of this exact tour, that we had the joy of taking part in when we travelled Indonesia.

This tour takes you well off the beaten track, and is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see the real Indonesia! Come face to face with wild Komodo dragons, sail like pirates and sleep under the stars on a live-aboard boat, visit a pink beach, snorkel with clownfish and a jaw-dropping sunset on Padar Island.

We had a brilliant time, and wanted to share our personal experience and tips for this tour with you:

KOMODO ISLAND TOUR FROM LOMBOK: THE ULTIMATE 9 DAY ITINERARY!

Below is our own in-depth description and photographs of our TruTravels 9 Day Komodo Island Hopper tour experience:

DAY 1: ARRIVE INTO KUTA

ARRIVE INTO KUTA, LOMBOK Arrange a free airport pick-up from Lombok International Airport with TruTravels, or make your own way to the hotel resort based in Kuta, Lombok .

Here, get settled in, grab a cocktail by the pool and get to know your new tour friends as they begin also begin to arrive. Gather for an informative tour debrief from your incredible guide, and head into Kuta for your first TruFam meal together!

Top tip : Two incredible restaurants in Kuta are KRNK Burgers ; a cool, quirky and creative burgers bar and KENZA Lombok , a shabby chic restaurant & gift shop with a delightful nautical vibe and insane food. You will most likely visit here on your first few days!

DAY 2: SASAK VILLAGE & RINJANI GEONATURAL PARK WATERFALL TRAIL

VISIT A LOMBOK SASAK VILLAGE Venture straight into the cultural heart of a local Sasak Village to revel in Lombok’s age old culture and witness the women at work, demonstrating their impeccable traditional weaving techniques!

Only Lombok women are involved in the traditional weaving trade, sitting on a daily basis working from 7am to 5pm! They are taught by their mothers from age 7, and cannot be married until they have mastered this skill!

Fun Fact : The majority of colouring used to weave the sarongs are natural: red from chillis, green from spinach, yellow from saffron and black from coffee beans.

Crazy Fact : In Lombok, the man has to effectively “kidnap” a woman to marry her! After a few days, her parents will realise what has happened and await her return. Ultimately, the woman then has to agree to marry him. He must choose wisely, as if she says no, his chance of marriage is over as he isn’t allowed to do it again!

RINJANI GEONATURAL PARK WATERFALL TRAIL After the Sasak village, put your hiking boots on and head into the Rinjani Geonatural Park, an idyllic nature trail into the jungle in search for waterfalls!

The best waterfall you will see last is the incredible Benang Kelambu waterfall, made up of multiple majestic waterfalls cascading down the jungle cliff faces.

DAY 3: LOMBOK BEACH DAY

RELAXED DAY ON LOMBOK BEACHES A day exploring a few of South Lombok’s delightful beaches! First, head to a secret hidden gem to relax and unwind.

Secondly, head to the vast white sandy shores of Selang Belenak; packed with quirky cafes, hire boats, a long colourful line of surf boards and countless stalls offering surf lessons! Grab a board and practise riding the waves, or just simply catch some rays with a beer.

Head back to the Lombok hotel for the final night of dinner and drinks before leaving Lombok on Day 4!

Witnessed on Lombok beaches : A local farmer leading his herd of water buffalo across the main beach!

Witnessed on Lombok beaches : Stray dogs running into the sea to cool off and then eating the small crabs on the beach!

Click to book this 9 day Komodo Island tour from Lombok! 🐉🏝️⛵

DAY 4 TRAVEL DAY TO SUMBAWA

TRAVEL FROM LOMBOK TO SUMBAWA Pack your bags, you are leaving Lombok to sail to new distant lands! Set off on a 2 hour bus ride to the Lombok ferry port and sail East from Lombok to Sumbawa, our new base for the next few days.

SUMBAWA ARRIVAL, DINNER & BEACH BONFIRE Arrive late afternoon, settle into your new beach hut, grab a delicious bite to eat in the restaurant, watch the dazzling sunset and sing camp songs around a fire under the stars!

Quick observations : There seem to be goats everywhere in Sumbawa! In the fields or just chilling by the road sides!

Quick observations : As you go East of Lombok (i.e. Sumbawa onwards) the heat becomes very intense and dry, especially when you reach the Komodo Islands. West of Lombok (i.e. Bali and Sumatra) is tropical.

DAY 5: MOYO ISLAND WATERFALLS

ARRIVE AT MOYO ISLAND & WATERFALLS An exclusive destination that only TruTravels take you to, the paradise island of Moyo! Grab a helmet, hop onto a local guide’s motorbike, and hold on tight as you slowly meander into the forest depths to Indonesia’s most secret waterfalls.

Marvel in wonder and take a dip in the naturally vibrant turquoise lagoons!

MOYO ISLAND BEACH LUNCH Making your way back to the beach, your guide will ride you through the local village, where you will be greeted with huge smiles of the village children waving you past!

At the beach, experience the most picturesque lunch spot at Sunset Moyo Cafe before sailing back to Sumbawa. Lookout out for the red raw sunset and occasionally dolphins who love to follow the boat!

DAY 6: SATONDA ISLAND & LIVE ABOARD BOAT

BOARD LIVE ABOARD BOAT Your last morning in Sumbawa! Check out and climb aboard your own private live aboard boat, your home for the next few days!

SATONDA ISLAND CRATER LAKE & SNORKELLING The first stop on route is Satonda Island – a completely wild, uninhabited island with an incredible saltwater crater lake in the middle – see some insane aerial photos here !

Fringed by an insane landscaped border, blissfully float in the magnificent saltwater lake and lose yourself in thought with just the sound of birds tweeting. It is such a tranquil experience.

Once your done, grab your snorkel to experience a magical underwater world just off Satonda Islands shores. Expect to see a whole host of insane marine species, including clown fish frolicking in the anemone, giant blue starfish, giant calms and parrot fish to name a few!

Hop back on board and enjoy your first evening sailing the open seas, onward to your next destination.

Fun Fact: Satonda Island Crater Lake was formed when Mt Tombara volcano (Sumbawa) erupted in 1815. A Tsunami through sea water onto the island, where it settled in an old volcanic crater and resultantly made the lake we see today! At its deepest, it is 100 metres deep and only contains very small fish.

Fun Fact: Satonda crater lake is three times saltier than the ocean, meaning you are able to float very easily!

DAY 7: MANTA RAY SWIM, PINK BEACH & PADAR ISLAND SUNSET

SWIM WITH MANTA RAYS AT MANTA POINT Wake up on the boat for the first time, grab yourself some chocolate pancakes for a packed day ahead! First stop is Gili Lawa lookout and the second is Manta Point, an opportunity to snorkel the ocean in search of majestic Manta Rays!

VISIT A REAL PINK BEACH Next up is to visit one of only seven pink beaches in the world, this one snuggled in a secluded Komodo Island cove.

Catch a small boat over to the small Pink beach (low additional cost), and marvel in awe as bright pink sand explodes in colour as its churned by the crystal clear, turquoise waves!

A perfect spot in paradise to relax, swim or snorkel the incredible shallow reefs.

Top Tip: The live aboard boat cannot take you straight to the beach due to shallow waters. You are given the option to swim or take a local boat (very small additional cost equating to £1-£2). We would highly recommend taking this local boat to and from the live aboard boat. Though it does not look far, the current here is very strong and even the strongest swimmers of our group struggled. Make sure you have low Indonesian Rupiah currency spare for this.

Fun fact : The Pink Beach is created by tiny fragments of red coral mixing with the original sand, causing this incredible colourful phenomenon!

SUNSET AT PADAR ISLAND The final stop for sunset is somewhere that needs to be seen to be believed – Padar Island! Climbing 800 steps, feel the rush of being alive as you reach the peak, witnessing the sun setting behind the rugged raw terrain and countless beach coves.

Listen out for the proud eagle calls as they soar overhead in this otherwise purely tranquil setting. A real “pinch yourself” moment to make sure you’re not dreaming.

Top Tip: On the boat ride back to the live aboard boat from Padar Island (30 to 45 minutes), remember to look down to where the boat moves through the sea. In the darkness, you will see millions of bright blue bioluminescent plankton. This truly was an unexpected sight that took our breath away.

PARTY ON THE BOAT Tonight is the first night we are docked for the full evening, time to enjoy a few drinks, dance to music, sing-a-long to the guitar or head up to the top deck to stargaze on the bean bags!

DAY 8: RINCA ISLAND KOMODO DRAGONS & LABUAN BAJO

WAKE UP AT RINCA ISLAND & BREAKFAST The day we’ve all been waiting for – Witnessing wild Komodo Dragons on the Komodo Islands! Wake up docked at Rinca Island, a true Jurassic Park like landscape that takes your breath away. Spot the cheeky group of long-tailed Macaques hanging around the boat to steal some of your breakfast!

SEE WILD KOMODO DRAGONS ON RINCA ISLAND Enter the otherworldly National Park, be assigned your rangers and venture into the wilderness in search of the large prehistoric Komodo Dragons!

Spot them in the trees, the grass or nesting. Look out for a whole host of other wildlife, including deer, monkeys and water buffalo! Grab a drink and a hand-made wooden souvenir from the make-shift shop after your thrilling adventure.

Top Tip : Rinca Island is the best Komodo Island to witness the Komodo Dragons, providing a completely natural, wild experience. ‘Komodo Island’ is apparently a lot more catered to tourists, to the point where they occasionally dangle meat to entice the dragons. On Rinca, they do not interfere with them at all.

Fun fact : You will spot a lot of wild Komodo Dragons lazing around the buildings before the trail. Though they never feed them, they are lured here by the smells of cooking!

Fun fact : Komodo Dragons have two penises! One for mating, one that acts as testicles!

SAIL TO LABUAN BAJO & FINAL DINNER Bid farewell to your Captain and crew as you reach your final stop: Labuan Bajo in Flores, and check into the luxury Sylvia resort for your last night!

A warm shower and comfy bed never felt so good after 3 days on the boat (we showered, then showered again)!

Grab a milkshake or cocktail and relax in the resort pool or down at the beach to watch the sun (quite literally) slip behind the sea. Later, head out into Labuan Bajo to the nautical Le Pirate restaurant for your last ‘TruFam’ meal together!

DAY 9: CHECK OUT & SAY GOODBYE!

CHECK OUT & ONWARD TRAVEL Sadly, it’s time for your 9 day Komodo Island tour to come to an end! Say goodbye to your ‘TruCrew’ and continue with your onward travel.

This is usually a short 1 hour flight back to Bali Denpasar International Airport, be sure to book your flight beforehand. Check Skyscanner for all available flight deals .

Your TruTravel guide will help you book a taxi with the hotel to Labuan Bajo airport. It’s only a 20 minute drive, and the airport is very small and easy to navigate.

A QUICK NOTE OF REASSURANCE:

TruTravels customer support promise to be on hand to help you navigate the whole time you’re in South East Asia, even when you have finished their tour!

Staying in Indonesia after your tour? Check out these related blog posts:

• 3 to 4 days in Ubud Bali travel itinerary
• Getting from Bali to the Gili Islands guide

PRICE OF THIS KOMODO ISLAND TOUR FROM LOMBOK (2023 UPDATED)

In 2023, the price per adult for this 9 day Komodo Island tour with TruTravels starts at just £1,150 per person !

This is inclusive of your travel guide throughout the whole trip, transport, 8 nights accommodation and all activities described in our in-depth review above!

VISITING THE KOMODO ISLANDS: “KNOW BEFORE YOU GO” FAQ’S

Are the komodo islands worth going to.

Yes, the Komodo Islands are absolutely worth going to! The simple fact that they are slightly off the beaten track to most tourists are what makes them worth visiting the most!

Visiting the Komodo islands gives a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the untouched and raw side of Indonesia, its awe-inspiring natural beauty and insane wildlife.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GO TO THE KOMODO ISLANDS?

The best time to go to the Komodo Islands is between the months of May to June. Though the Komodo Islands are generally always hot and humid, these months bring cooler nights and calmer sailing conditions.

Likewise, it misses the high tourism season between July to August, when the Komodo Islands are at their busiest.

ARE KOMODO ISLANDS OPEN TO TOURISM IN 2023?

Yes, the Komodo Islands are open to tourists in 2023.

KOMODO ISLAND TOUR ALTERNATIVE: 1 DAY

If your plans change (i.e. your budget or available travel time), there are also some great full day Komodo Island tour options to take straight from Labuan Bajo .

Instead of starting at Lombok, you would simply pre-book your tour and fly directly into Labuan Bajo. In our research for you guys, we came across one very highly-rated shorter Komodo Island tour:

Additional Option 1: “One Full Day Komodo trip with Bintang Komodo tours”:

This 5* “Badge of Excellence” rated full 1 day Komodo Island tour from Labuan Bajo takes you straight all of the Komodo Island hotspots!

This includes Komodo Island to see the dragons, Padar Island, Manta Point, Pink Beach and an additional stops at Taka Makassar Island & Kanawa Island for snorkelling.

Total trip duration: approximately 11 hours.

Click to book this 1 full day Komodo trip with Bintang Komodo tours 🐉⛴

KOMODO ISLAND TOUR PACKING LIST

• Loose comfortable clothing, such as tank tops and cotton shorts.
• Your swimsuit.
• Protective beach shoes .
• Comfortable lightweight walking shoes with good grip.
• A microfibre beach towel (fast drying & lightweight).
• A spare waterproof bag to store your wet towel / swimsuit after your tour.
• A GoPro / waterproof camera to capture amazing footage!
• Or! A waterproof dry bag (with a lanyard!) to take photos and videos on your smartphone instead.
• High factor sun cream
• After sun moisturising cream.
• Sun protective clothing, including a hat and sunglasses.
• Hygienic wet wipes for the live aboard boat, the shower on-board is basically a hose pipe!
• A medical pouch / first aid kit.
• Refillable water bottle .
• Powered battery pack (and cable) for your smart phone.

CONCLUSION: 9 DAY KOMODO ISLAND TOUR

In conclusion, from our own first hand-experience on TruTravel’s “ 9 day Komodo Island tour from Lombok “, we can highly recommend this tour.

The duration of 9 days allows for a less rushed approach, giving you time to explore the culture and natural wonders of Lombok and surrounding hidden gem islands first as you slowly make your way to Komodo.

It is important to keep in mind however that while TruTravels offer their tours to people of all ages, the majority that take their tours are a younger crowd between 18 to mid 30’s, with a good mix of solo travellers, groups of friends and couples.

During our Komodo Island tour with them, this was the case, with the oldest travellers being in their early 30’s. As a company, TruTravel’s customer support were very attentive and answered any questions we had beforehand with their super convenient immediate online chat, which can always be found on the bottom right-hand corner of their website .

Our local tour guides (ours were called Risky and Spicy Spice!) were absolute legends and always made us feel safe.

Have further questions? You’re welcome to contact us based on our personal experience, or likewise ask any further tour related questions to TruTravels directly . They will be happy to help!

This blog post was written by… Jordie Flain! Founder of TheFlainsTravel.com, Travel Itinerary Creator & Wildlife Enthusiast

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Jordie Flain is the owner and author of The Flains Travel, a travel blog with emphasis on ethical wildlife experiences, "seen to be believed" natural beauty and "real magic" phenomena, such as the northern lights. Jordie crafts every itinerary and post to perfection for travellers to follow and get the very most out of their time in a destination.

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Komodo Island Half Day Tour

• Duration: 3 hours
• Pick-up/Drop-off: Loh Liang Pier/Loh Liang Pier
• Highlights: Komodo National Park, Banunggulung
• Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
• Tour Category: Komodo shore excursions
• Description
• Additional information

If you don’t have a full day to explore all the corner of Komodo National Park, this half-day Komodo shore tour delivers the best activity to do: trek the scenic trail under the forest and witness the Komodo Dragons enjoys their daily meal.

Welcomed by the guide at Loh Liang Pier in Komodo Island, you firstly walk to the Komodo National Park’s post and get the briefing by the ranger. Then, trek through two kilometers along a flat path under the forest canopy. Take a deep breath of tropical jungle fresh air, and make friend with some Komodo Dragons lazily lying and relaxing along the trail.

Remember to follow the rules of the park and instructions asked by rangers and your guide. On the trekking way, witness a variety of mammals and birds jumping around. There are numerous endangered animal species that you cannot see in anywhere else such as Timor deer, wild boar, macaques, civet, Orange-footed scrubfowl, Yellow-crested cockatoo, and friarbird.

When you reach to Banunggulung, you can admire how Komodo Dragons are fed. Their favorite food is Timor deer. Goosebumps at the way they hunt and taste these lovely deers, but it’s the way how nature runs. You cannot imagine how fat slow dragons could catch agile deers until you witness by your eyes. Finally, walk back to the Park’s post, say goodbye to some Komodo dragons roaming when the sun starts getting higher. Trip ends when you are transferred back to Loh Liang Pier before lunchtime.

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Komodo National Park with Pink Beach

• Duration: 7 hours
• Highlights: Komodo National Park, Pink Beach

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Komodo Island Tour 4 Days 3 Nights

From: $  915.49

The Komodo Island Tour 4 Days 3 Nights is one of our best Komodo private tour packages. It will accommodate you to explore more beautiful places in Komodo National Park. This tour package offers a daily departure from Labuan Bajo.

You will have a pick-up from the hotel or airport between 09.30 to 10. 00 am. The boat will leave at 10.30 am from the dock of Labuan Bajo. It is also possible to do this if you are coming from Bali on the same day you want to do the Komodo Island 4 days tour. However, you will need to be in Labuan Bajo before 10.00 am.

Our 4 Days 3 nights Komodo island boat tour offers a safe and comfortable boat. You will be on our Phinisi boat with a maximum capacity of 10 people. The minimum participant to join this Komodo tour is 4 people. It is perfect for family trips or small group travel.

Places to Visit:

• Manjarite island
• Rinca island
• Kalong Island
• Komodo island
• Manta Point
• Taka Makasar
• Padar Island
• Kelor Island
• Kanawa island

What to Experience on Komodo Island Tour 4 Days 3 Nights?

Komodo National Park is a place where the Komodo Dragons are inhabited. Komodo dragons are wildlife and mostly are found on Rinca and Komodo Island. Deer, buffalo, wild roar, and types of birds are also found in Komodo National Park. Besides the Komodo Dragons and other wildlife, the National Park also offers beautiful landscapes, beaches, and amazing underwater life.

The following are recommended things to experience:

• Snorkeling at Manjarite Island. Enjoy the amazing coral gardens and colorful fish. You will also enjoy the beautiful white sand beach.
• Trekking on Rinca Island to find Komodo dragons and enjoy a spectacular view of the island. Rinca is one of the best places to spot Komodo dragons in Komodo National Park.
• Sunset on Kalong island while watching the bats flying over the island. Kalong is a mangrove island with inhabitants, it is one of the best places to spot sunset.
• Hiking on Komodo Island to find Komodo dragons and other wildlife. You can also visit Kampung Komodo or Komodo village and experience the local life on the island.
• Lounge on Pink Beach, snorkeling, and swimming. The pink sand beach is located north of Komodo Island. It is a perfect beach to enjoy your day with a Komodo boat tour.
• Trekking on Gili Lawa for a beautiful view and sunset. Gili Lawa is one of the perfect places to spot sunset. You will also enjoy snorkeling and swimming on the island.
• Snorkeling with Manta Rays at Manta Point. This is one of the best things to do while doing this Komodo tour Package. Manta Point is the best place to spot Manta Rays.
• Snorkeling, swimming, and enjoying the beach walk at Taka Makasar. Taka Makasar is a white sandbar located near Manta Point.
• Hiking on Padar island for sunset and a spectacular view. Padar Island is an iconic island in Komodo National Park. It offers a spectacular view of the amazing structure of the island.
• Hiking on Kelor Island and enjoying a beautiful view. You can also enjoy snorkeling on the island.
• Enjoy a beautiful view of Kanawa Island. Snorkeling and swimming are also possible to do on this island. Kanawa is a small island located near Labuan Bajo.

Tour Itinerary:

The Komodo Island Tour 4 Days and 3 Nights will accommodate all-the-way service based on the itinerary. It is including hotel or airport transfers in Labuan Bajo. For your great experience, we only offer a safe and comfortable Komodo boat tour combined with professional crews.

Day 1: Labuan Bajo - Manjarite - Rinca island - Kalong Island

We will pick you up from the hotel or Airport in Labuan Bajo. And then drive to the dock for a boat tour. The first to visit is Manjarite Island and then Rinca Island. After that, you will continue to Kalong Island. the boat will overnight on Kalong. Lunch and dinner will serve on the boat.

Day 2: Komodo Island - Pink Beach - Gili Lawa

Leave early in the morning at about 07.30 am from Kalong Island . The first to visit is Komodo Island, and then Pink Beach. After that, the trip will continue to Gili Lawa. Today Komodo boat tour will overnight on Gili Lawa. Enjoy the night on Gili Lawa island.

Day 3: Manta Point - Taka Makasar - Padar Island

On this day, the first to visit is Manta Point and then Taka Makasar. After that, you will continue to sail to Padar Island. You will spend the evening on Padar island and the Komodo boat trip will overnight on Padar. Enjoy the beautiful night under a beautiful sky on Padar Island.

Day 4: Kelor Island - Kanawa Island - Labuan Bajo

It is the last day of your Komodo island boat tour for 4 days and 3 nights. The first to visit on this day is Kelor Island. And then you will continue to Kanawa island. After that, sail back to Labuan Bajo. Hotel transfers will provide and ready in the dock at Labuan Bajo. You will be in Labuan Bajo at about 01.00 pm. However, the arrival time is not exactly, depending on the sea condition

Note : This tour package is recommended to book in advance, at least one week before the departure date. We are not recommended to make a last-minute booking. Let us know if you have also a connecting flight on the last day of the tour, so our crew will manage the time of arrival in Labuan Bajo. The route or destination is subject to change, depending on the sea condition. The captain has a right to skip and change the route for any specific reason such as bad weather, strong currents, etc.

Boat Specification and Facilities

The tour will use a Phinisi boat with a capacity of 10 people. The boat has an International standard of safety, comfortable, with friendly and professional crews.

Boat Specifications:

• Length: 23m
• Width: 3,8m
• Top speed: 9-11m
• Engine: Mitsubishi 6D14
• Electric: 7000watt
• Crew: 4 People
• Water Capacity: 3000 L

Safety Equipment:

• 20 Life Jackets
• 6 Life Buoy

Boat Facilities:

• 4 AC Cabin Rooms
• 2 outdoor toilet
• 1 Dining Room

Inclusive on the Price:

• AC Cabin Rooms
• Hotel or Airport transfers
• Snorkeling Gears
• Flight Tickets
• Accommodations in Labuan Bajo before and after the trip
• Komodo National Park Fees
• Ranger Fees

What to bring?

• Casual Wear
• Trekking Shoes

Cancelation and Change the Travel Date:

• The cancelation made 5 months before the trip will refund 50% of the total amount of payment.
• Cancelation made 3 months before the departure will refund 25 % of the total amount of payment.
• Cancelation made 1 month before the departure date will no refund
• Changes to the departure date are subject to availability, and if there is no availability on the chosen date, the available date applies. The refund is subject to the cancelation policy.
• The cancelation and change date procedure is by sending us an email through our contact form.

Limitation of Responsibility:

• Komodo Touristic acts as a Travel Agency. We only provide the booking platform for Tour Packages, Boat Charters, and Diving Packages. We will not serve any activities outside the above activities.
• All of the holiday activities are available for Flores and Komodo National Park. We also provide Alor, Sumba Island, and a combination of 2 or 3 Island activities. We do not arrange any activities, not on this website.
• Komodo Touristic will not be responsible for any bookings made outside of our website.
• We will not be responsible for any loss, missing flight, injury, loss, and damages. And do not be responsible for any accident during the activities which caused death, delay of your flight, etc.
• We will not be responsible for any condition of transportation used by the operator including cars, boats, or other types of transportation used during the activities.
• We will not be responsible for the inconvenience caused by the action of staff during the activity. Government or other civil activities such as Demonstrations, War, and road traffic.
• Komodo Touristic will not be responsible for any additional charge caused by delays, reschedules, or other causes.
• We have the right to cancel the program or reschedule the program in the event of bad weather, or other operational reasons.
• Changing any activities on this site is the authority of Komodo Touristic Tours and Travel.

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Departure : Lombok

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Type : Overland Combination Tour

Duration : 7 Days 6 Night

Departure : Maumere Airport

3 Days Sumba Island Tour Package

Duration : 3 Days 2 Night

Departure : Tambolaka Airport

Wae Rebo Tour Package

Duration : 2 Days 1 Nights

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Information

Travel destination, the company.

Things to do in Moscow: how to visit Moscow | Unmissable, cool & unusual

• September 2, 2023

What are the best things to do in Moscow? What to do in Moscow? First, I will list the main places to visit by theme, passing by the must-sees, but also more unusual places in Moscow. Then, I will describe what to see in Moscow in one day and how to visit Moscow in 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 days. Let’s go!

Good to know. For more information, click on the places to open the dedicated blog posts.

Main places to visit in Moscow & best things to do in Moscow

I worked in Moscow and I loved this city for its dynamism and energy. We find there from time to time to see friends, remember good memories and enjoy this giant city! Then the time has come for us to share with you our practical guide.

TOP 5 must-see places in Moscow

• Moscow Red Square
• St. Basil’s Cathedral
• Cathedral of Christ the Savior
• Bolshoi Theatre

Places of cultural, historical and religious interest in Moscow

• Novodevichy Convent and cemetery
• Tretyakov Gallery
• Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts
• Kremlin Izmaïlovo (pseudo-historic place, recently built in the image of the old, one of the best things to do in Moscow for your Instagram account 😉 )
• Park and ancient village of Kolomenskoye

Visit Moscow of the Soviet era

• Moscow State University and Sparrows Hill
• VDNKh and the Museum of Astronautics, one of the key landmarks of the Soviet era in Moscow
• GULAG Museum
• Metro stations
• The Stalinist skyscrapers, scattered all over the city

Less touristy places in Moscow

• Gorky Park and the GARAGE museum
• The old Krasny Oktyabr factory
• Zaryadye Park
• Center for Contemporary Art, WINZAVOD
• Business center, Moscow City

Main districts of Moscow to visit

• Patriarch Ponds
• Tchistye Prudy
• Kuznetsky most
• Arbat Street

However, regardless of the length of your stay, whether you are going to visit Moscow in 4 days or in 2, you need a visa. The article Obtaining a tourist visa for Russia could then be useful in any case.

What to do and see in Moscow in one day?

List of things to see and do in Moscow in one day:

• Go to Red Square
• Visit St. Basil’s Cathedral
• See Kremlin walls (but not to visit)
• Visit Cathedral of Christ the Savior
• Discover Kuznetsky most districts and see Bolshoi Theatre building
• And if you have time at the end of the day: go to the Sparrows Hill or to the Moscow City for a beautiful view

Things to do in Moscow in 2 days

If you want to visit Moscow in 2 days, there are 2 purposes: do not miss the essential places of Moscow and optimize travel.

• First day: Red Square , Saint Basil’s Cathedral , Zariadye Park, Bolshoi Theatre , Kremlin
• Day 2: Cathedral of Christ the Savior, the former Krasny Oktyabr factory on Balchug Island, Gorky Park, Moscow State University (one of the Seven Sisters buildings ) and Sparrow Hill

As 2 days os really short, be sure to choose an accommodation in the best districts where to stay in Moscow .

Walking on Red Square in Moscow: one of the unmissable things to do in Moscow

Iconic place and one of the must-see places in Moscow and even in Russia! Besides, if there was only one place to visit in Moscow in 2 days, this place would then be Red Square, without hesitation. Therefore, starting the city tour with Red Square is ideal . Several buildings are on the square, but not all of them have to be visited. Check out my blog post about Moscow’s Red Square in detail to learn more and not miss anything.

Visiting Saint-Basil’s Cathedral inside

Even more emblematic than Moscow’s Red Square! Built in the middle of the 16th century under the orders of Tsar Ivan Le Terrible, this cathedral is one of the most beautiful monuments of Orthodox art, and definitely one of the unmissable places in Moscow. Visiting Saint-Basil’s Cathedral inside is one of the most beautiful things to do in Moscow!

• Visit estimate time : 1h30
• Entry ticket : 700 RUB. Tickets can be purchased on the cathedral’s official website 45 days before the tour.
• Audio guide (recommended): 500 RUB
• Opening hours : June to August 10 am-6pm; from November to April: 11 am-5pm; May, September, October 11 am-5pm. Cathedral closed on Wednesdays. Entrance is closed 45 minutes before closing.
• Find out more in the dedicated article: Saint Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow

Take a walk in Zariadye park: one of the coolest things to do in Moscow after visiting Red Square

Zaryadie Park is just a 10-minute walk from St. Basil’s Cathedral, so it’s easy to include in your itinerary if you’re going to visit Moscow in 2 days. From its heights, you can see the red walls of the Kremlin. But, the most impressive point of view is the platform which overlooks the Moskva river. A must see! And clearly one of the coolest things to do in Moscow!

• Open 24 hours a day
• Good to know! Park Zaryadye is also a place to visit in Moscow in winter. Find out more here: What to do in Moscow in winter?

See the Bolshoi Theatre and discover the Kuznetsky Most district

The Bolshoi Theatre is the most famous Russian theater in the world. The most economical way to see a presentation at the Bolshoi Theater is to take the tickets on the theater’s official website in advance, so here is our tutorial to help you: How to buy entrance tickets to the Bolshoi? In addition, several pedestrian or one-way streets

The Bolshoi Theater is the most famous Russian theater in the world. The most economical way to see a presentation at the Bolshoi Theater is to take the tickets on the theater’s official website in advance, so here is our tutorial to help you: How to buy tickets to the Bolshoi? In addition, several pedestrian or one-way streets are located north of the theater. It is therefore very pleasant to find them to leave the main axes of the megalopolis.

Visit the Moscow Kremlin

Visit Kremlin is on top of things to do in Moscow. A place of power for centuries, the Kremlin then shows us a whole different image when viewed from the inside. If you want to visit Moscow in 2 days, the Kremlin is certainly one of the must-see places in Moscow.

• Opening hours : Daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Thursday.
• See our blog post about visiting the Moscow Kremlin

Visit the Cathedral of Christ the Savior

This impressive Moscow Cathedral is the seat of the Russian Orthodox Church. It is a must see if you visit Moscow in 2 days and clearly one of the things to do in Moscow. The Cathedral of Christ the Savior was first built in 1883 in memory of Russia’s victory over Napoleon’s Grand Army. Then in 1931 Stalin ordered its destruction. It was then rebuilt again (identically) only in 2000.

• Where? Ulitsa Volkhonka 15. At the foot of the Kropotkinskaya metro station.
• Opening hours . Daily: 10: 00-17: 00, except Monday: 13: 00-17: 00
• Free entry (some closing restrictions, for example a short)

Good to know! In orthodox religious places, one must avoid excessively uncovered clothing. Women should cover their heads. After visiting the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, you can explore Bolotny Island and Gorky Park. This is one of the routes our guide to Moscow.

The old Krasny Oktyabr factory: one of the coolest things to do in Moscow

If you cross the Moskva River by a pedestrian bridge which is located just in front of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, you will enjoy a beautiful view of the city and at the same time you can discover Balchug Island. Furthermore, if you want to visit Moscow in 2 days, you can include this island in your itinerary between the cathedral and Gorky park. Here is the old confectionery factory Krasny Oktyabr, which has gradually turned into a fashionable micro-district. There are then some elements of street art, cafes and restaurants and some Moscow bohemian side. At the end of the island you can see a gigantic 98-meter-high monument dedicated to the Russian reforming tsar Pierre The Great.

Good to know! You can find on this island are the trendiest nightclubs in Moscow. On weekends, there are taxi caps after midnight so there are so many people. On the other hand, if you go there in winter and during the day, the island is quite empty and less interesting to see.

Gorky Park is one of the TOP places to visit in Moscow, because it allows you to better understand the life of the locals and their rhythm. In fact, it’s a huge entertainment park. For example, in winter there is a giant ice rink and in summer – free dance or yoga lessons, sandy beaches for playing volleyball, an outdoor cinema. So, like the locals, have a Stakantchik (ice cream or cooked corn), and enjoy the atmosphere of the place: that’s one of the interesting things to do in Moscow to discover the city.

• Where? Krymsky Val 9. 20 minutes’ walk from Krasny Oktyabr, along the quays.

Sparrow Hill and Moscow State University

The Sparrow Hill, Vorobiovy Gori in Russian, is the highest point in Moscow. It is rather known to Russians, but less to travelers. A nice view on Moscow opens from the hill, and in particular on the Luzhniki Stadium. In addition, on the hill itself is the Moscow State University: an impressive skyscraper from the Soviet era.

• How to get there? By bus T7 (35 min) from Oktyaborskaya station, near Gorki Park. By metro (Vorobiovy Gorki station) + climb the hill on foot. On foot along the Moskva along the Gorky Park (1h30) + climb in funiculars.

Good to know! It is possible to cross the Moskva river by funicular. We actually tested it and it was pretty cool! That is one of our favorite things to do in Moscow!

What to do in Moscow in 3 days?

If you are going to visit Moscow in 3 days, it would be interesting to dive into the Soviet era which strongly marked the country and the city. After the Bolshevik Revolution, the capital was transferred from Saint Petersburg to Moscow, in order to mark the change of power. Moscow then became the world showcase for communist ideology. Here are the best things to do in Moscow for 3-day-trip!

VDNKh, visit Moscow of the Soviet era

VDNKh is a large exhibition center in the north of Moscow, where there are still several striking witnesses of the USSR. The most interesting are the Museum of Cosmonauts and the Statue of the Worker and the Kolkhozian , which will certainly impress you with its size!

GULAG History Museum

The explanations of the museum are very well done. We really have the feeling of going back in time. If you are going to visit Moscow in 3 days and you are interested in history and this subject in particular, I recommend this museum. Visit the GULAG History Museum is one of the most interesting things to do in Moscow.

Discover the Patriarche Pounds district

It’s a nice neighborhood in Moscow where you can come across rather affluent locals, but not necessarily very bling-bling. Take a walk in this area is really a cool thing to do in Moscow! In addition, the Ponds of Patriarch is one of the places of Bulgakov’s novel “Master and Margarita”. As this is an interesting area to see, we have included it in a walking tour of Moscow. The route ends at the Moscow Kremlin, which is very convenient, because you will be able to visit Moscow in 3 days by optimizing your trips.

What to visit in Moscow in 4 days: TOP things to do in Moscow in 4 days

If you want to visit Moscow in 3 days, you will already see a lot of things. On the other hand, if you stay one more day, you have plenty to do! The Novodevichy Convent, the Tchistie Proudy district and the Izmaylovo Kremlin are very good candidates for you, if you are going to visit Moscow in 4 days.

Visiting Novodevichy Convent in Moscow

The Novodevichy Convent is one of the most brilliant examples of Russian architecture, according to UNESCO. This beautiful complex was built in 1524 and today consists of the convent, but also of a cemetery whose status could be compared to that of Père-Lachaise in Paris. Visiting Novodevichy Convent is one of the great things to do in Moscow, if you want to go a little bit outside of the center!

Discovering Tchistye Proudy district

It’s one of the most popular areas of Moscow, with many cafes, restaurants and bars nearby. It is therefore a place to discover if you want to visit Moscow in 4 days. It is just as pleasant for a stroll as for the discovery of local life. For example, in winter the pond turns into an ice rink.

Visiting the Izmaylovo Kremlin, one of the coolest things to do in Moscow!

The Izmaylovo Kremlin is more of a tourist than a historic place. On the other hand, it is a pretty impressive place to discover, especially on weekends. Inside the Kremlin, there is a flea market where you can find a little bit of everything, but mostly good souvenirs to bring from Moscow. For example, chapka, traditional Russian scarves or matryoshka (Russian dolls). Add the Kremlin and the Izmaïlovo market to your itinerary if you are going to visit Moscow in 4 days, because it is a nice and very colorful place! Visiting the Izmailovo Kremlin is one of the things to do in Moscow, if you want to put colors in your Instagram account! 😉

In 4 days, we will have the opportunity to see several Moscow: Classic Moscow, Moscow of old Russia, Soviet Moscow and a little bit of the new Moscow. So what to visit in Moscow on the 5th day of travel?

What to visit in Moscow in 5 days?

Art lovers will be delighted to discover the Tretyakov Gallery and the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, while others will prefer to stroll along Arbat Street, see the buildings of Moskva-City or visit Bunker 42.

Admiring Russian art at Tretyakov Gallery

Founded in 1856 by an industrialist and great lover of art, the gallery has grown over the decades, and then bequeathed to the state. Today the collection includes more than 140,000 pieces, 15,000 of which are paintings. Visiting the Tretyakov Gallery is one of the things to do in Moscow if you want to discover Russian art!

• Where? Pereoulok Lavrouchinski 10. A 5-minute walk from Tretiakovskaya station
• Opening hours. Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday. Closed on Mondays.
• Entry tickets. 500 RUB.

Visiting the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts

The Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts presents the treasures of ancient Egypt, the paintings of Rembrandt and Cézanne, a fine collection of Impressionism.

• Where? Ulitsa Volkhonka 12
• Opening hours. Daily: 10: 00-20: 00, except Thursday: 11: 00-21: 00. Closed on Mondays. The boxes close an hour before closing.
• Entry tickets. The prices vary according to the collections from 300 to 750 RUB.

Walking on Arbat Street

All Russians know Rue Arbat. So, walking on Arbat street is one of the things to do in Moscow. However, after the years, little by little it became very touristy. This is a pedestrian street only. There are souvenir shops, restaurants and cafes there, but it is no longer the most authentic neighborhood in the city.

Seeing the buildings of Moskva-City (Moscow City)

Moskva-City is Moscow’s business center, much like Paris’s Defense district. The skyscrapers of Moskva-City are among the tallest in Europe: 373 meters high! Very nice place to see at dusk.

Good to know! You can admire a nice view of Moscow City from the docks of Tarasa Shevchenko. It’s especially beautiful in the evening with all the lights on.

Bunker 42, one of the most unusual things to do in Moscow

Bunker 42 is a secret military complex which was to be used by the Soviets in the event of a nuclear attack: a space of 7000 m² 65 meters underground!

• Where? 5 Kotelnitcheski Lane, 11.
• Prices. 2200 RUB per person
• Opening hours. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Restaurant inside. Original, but rather a tourist trap.

What to visit in Moscow in 6 days or more?

There are still so many places to see, because Moscow is a big megalopolis and there is always something exciting to do there. For example: the ancient Kolomenskoye village or the WINZAVOD contemporary art center .

If you are interested in history and want to see Russian cities on a rather “human scale”, it would certainly be interesting for you to discover the cities of the Golden Ring . For example, it is very easy to get to Sergey Posad from Moscow (less than 2 hours in train). Visiting the Golden Ring is one of the best things to do in Moscow if you are staying more than a 5-6 days.

There are still plenty of places to see in Moscow, however I did my best to list here the best things to do in Moscow, what to see in Moscow in one day, but also in 2, 3, 4 or 5 days in Moscow!

Moscow travel tips:

• Airport transfer: how to go to Moscow?
• Where to stay in Moscow (hotels, districts)?
• Tourist voucher for Russian visa
• Christmas and New Year in Moscow
• What is the best time to visit Moscow?

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• Moscow Travel and City Excursions

Our 20 Best Moscow Day Tours of 2022

See all that Moscow has to offer by choosing one or more of our incredible Moscow day tours. Visit Red Square , St. Basil’s , the Kremlin or perhaps a vodka museum and the fantastic Moscow metro system , we have it all. Our expert, informative and fun guides will help you get to know Europe’s largest city. Please click on the day tour details to learn more or contact us for more information about our Moscow tours using the form at the side of the page.  You can also schedule a call with one of our Russian travel specialists to learn more.

Head to the heart of Moscow with a professional guide on a 4-hour private walk through the city center. See Tverskaya and Old Arbat streets, Theatre Square with the world-famous Bolshoi Theatre, and the former KGB headquarters...

• Schedule Daily 09:00 - 20:00
• Languages English-speaking guide is guaranteed. Other languages are on request.
• Walking tours Transportation is not included
• PRIVATE TOUR This is a private tour, there won't be other people in your group

Panoramic City Tour. This Moscow tour is a great start to your trip and the best way to get acquainted with many of the city’s major highlights. Our professional guide will escort you on a route that includes Vorobyevi...

• Schedule Daily 09:00 - 18:00
• Tours by car Transportation by private car/minivan is included

This tour offers a detailed look into the history and present-day life of the Jewish community of Moscow. On the tour, you will visit sites connected with the cultural and religious life of different Jewish families, as well...

• Schedule Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday 11:00 - 20:00 Friday 10:00 - 14:00 Saturday not available

The tour begins with a drive or walk down Tverskaya Street – a Soviet masterpiece. In the years of Soviet power, Tverskaya began to undergo a transformation: it was widened to two and a half times its original size,...

This is a very interesting and insightful tour. You will visit places connected with Stalin’s terror - a time of great repression and fear. You will be shown monuments to the victims of the repression. You will then...

You will be told of the street’s interesting history and view the street’s artisan culture. You will also have the opportunity to view and purchase souvenirs from the street’s many craftsmen....

The Kremlin is truly a fascinating structure, at the same time it is an ancient tower, the city’s former military fortification, a palace, an armory, the sovereign treasury and the workplace of the Russian President....

• Schedule Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10:00 - 17:00 Thursday not available

This world-famous gallery contains masterpieces of Russian art beginning in the 10th century up until today. You will view exquisite Russian icons and paintings from the 18th and 19th century including works by Rublyov, Karavak,...

• Schedule Monday not available Tuesday, Wednesday, Sunday 10:00 - 17:00 Thursday, Friday, Saturday 10:00 - 20:00

Tour of the Novodevichy Monastery. Founded in 1524 by Grand Prince VasiliIoanovich, the original convent was enclosed by fortified walls and contained 12 towers. The structure served as a convent for women of noble birth...

• Schedule Daily 09:00 - 17:00

The Moscow Metro is one of the largest and most grandly built metro systems in the world. It was meant to be a showcase of the Soviet Union’s achievements for both the Russians themselves and for visitors from abroad....

• Schedule Daily 10:00 - 17:00

The history of Kolomenskoye stretches back for centuries. In 1380, Dmitri Donskoi’s army passed through Kolomenskoye on their way to the Kulikovo battlefield, and it was here that Donskoi celebrated his victory over...

• Schedule Monday not available Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday 10:00 - 17:00 Saturday 11:00 - 18:00

Considered by some to be the Russian Vatican, Sergiev Posad is the temporary residence of the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church. The Trinity St. Sergius Monastery (Lavra) was built in the first half of the 1340s by...

The Tsaritsyno Estate is located in the southern part of Moscow. The estate was constructed for Catherine the Great by the Russian architects Bazhenov and Kazakov in a romantic gothic style. The complex includes a landscape...

• Schedule Monday not available Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 11:00 - 17:00 Saturday 11:00 - 19:00 Sunday 11:00 - 18:00

The Kuskovo Estate often called the Moscow Versailles due to its perfectly preserved French park, is an example of an 18th century, luxurious Moscow summer residence. Its history dates back to 1715, when the village of Kuskovo...

• Schedule Monday, Tuesday not available Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10:00 - 18:00

Vodka is an important component of Russian life, an element of national identity and everyday culture. We invite you to visit the Vodka Museum and feel the atmosphere of long-gone centuries. You will get to know the story...

• Schedule Daily 10:00 - 19:00

Take this opportunity to learn more about the Russian writer Lev Tolstoy. During the visit to the museum you will see part of a vast collection of exhibits connected to Tolstoy and his family including books and personal...

• Schedule Monday not available Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10:00 - 17:00 Thursday 12:00 - 19:00

This apartment museum located close to Patriarch Ponds became the prototype of the "bad apartment" described in the novel "The Master and Margarita." Currently the museum's collection includes more than three thousand...

• Schedule Monday not available Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 12:00 - 19:00 Thursday 14:00 - 21:00

Express to Russia specializes in Moscow city excursions, an essential part of your Moscow travel itinerary. We offer a large variety of day excursions throughout Moscow and its suburbs. From  Red Square  and the  Kremlin  to a city tour of Moscow’s  Old Arbat Street  or the  Moscow metro , an excursion specializing in Stalin and the KGB and much more. No travel to Moscow is complete without taking a few of our day tours that most meet your interest in Russia.

Moscow City Tours

Our Moscow day excursions can be organized on foot or with transport. All of our excursions are led by an experienced guide, specializing in the subject matter of the tour. Excursions are privately run and can be booked for 1 traveler all the way up to large groups of travelers. We run our Moscow city tours in every season. This is because travel to Moscow is excellent in any season. In the summer take a stroll through  Gorky Park  or take a riverboat tour along the Moskva River. In the winter, see Moscow’s winter wonderland of ice and snow and then settle in for a cozy lunch or dinner with a hot bowl of borsht. In winter, spring and fall, you can beat the crowds at all of Moscow’s main attractions and museums. Regardless of when you come, Express to Russia will make sure that your trip is one of your best vacations ever.

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2-Day Tour in Moscow With a Friendly Guide

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Description

Highlights:.

• Get to know the giant Moscow.
• Learn the most fascinating facts and stories about our city.
• Find out why Moscow is so different from the rest of the world.
• Savour delicacies from different Russia regions in a traditional restaurant.
• Peek inside Cold War museum.
• Climb up the tallest Ostankino Tower in Moscow.
• Soak in the Enchanting Beauty of the Palaces of Russian Tsars.

2-Day Tour Itinerary:

This Moscow in 2 days tour gives you a quick glance at some of the most interesting Moscow sights, the metro, the people, the streets, and the local Russian life.

Get a glimpse of what Moscow is about and how it is so different from the rest of the world.

Discover and experience historical landmarks as well as places that are popular among locals . This Moscow two day tour will give you an idea of how Muscovites live, what they do, and where they go.

Climb up the tallest Ostankino Tower in Moscow before sunrise and watch the dawn. This is the tallest point in Moscow that offers an enlightening experience.

Experience the excitement of taking a (luxurious) river cruise .

Must-see in Moscow:

• The Kremlin.
• Red Square.
• Kolomenskoe Park.
• Tsarino Parks.
• Tretyakov Gallery.
• Metro in Moscow.
• Novodevichiy Monastery/Cemetery.
• Observation Platform on Sparrow Hills.
• Victory Park.
• Museum of the Great Patriotic War.
• 1812 Museum.
• Museum of Modern Art.
• State Historical Museum.
• Museum of Moscow.
• Museums of Contemporary History.
• Arbat street.
• Gorky Park.
• Sculpture Park.
• Izmailovo Flea Market.
• Kitay Gorod (Historical Old Town).
• Stalin skyscrapers.

Sample Itinerary: 

Day 1 in moscow.

10.00 am Pick up at the port or hotel

11.00 Red Square, St Basil’s Cathedral, GUM

12.00 Armoury

1.00 Kremlin cathedrals

1.45 Lunch in Korchma Mokhovaya (Ukrainian  traditional cuisine)

2.45 Alexander Garden

3.00 Going back to the hotel or your guide will leave you at any centrally-located place you wish

Possible options for extension of the tour:

3.00 Coffee in the O2 bar for iconic views of the Kremlin and the City

3.30 Tverskaya Street, Kamergersky Lane, Bolshaya Dmitrovka, Kuznetsky Most Street, Petrovka Street, Stoleshnikov Lane

4.00 pm Drop off at your hotel or Viking ship (by metro or taxi)

4.00 Eliseev Store, metro to Teatralnaya Square

4.40 Bolshoi and Maly Theatres, Lubyanka (+ view  point on the roof of the Children’s World Store) and Myasnitskaya Streets

5.15 Tea House in Myasnitskaya Street, Chistoprudny Boulevard, Pokrovka Street (tea at Tziferblat anti-café, very popular among young locals)

6.30 Gorky Park, Muzeon, Ostozhenka Street (Moscow’s Golden mile, fine examples of Moscow Moderne)

7.00 pm Drop off at Gorky Park or getting back to the hotel

Day 2 in Moscow

10.45 Kolomeskoye Park with its exhibitions and the architectural ensemble of the 16-17th centuries

12.15 Arbat street, a meal in Varenichnaya (Russian cuisine) or Genazvale (Georgian cuisine)

2.00 Nikitsky boulevard and Bolshaya Nikitskaya streets (the church where Alexander Pushkin got married), Malaya Nikitskaya and Spridonovka streets (Moscow Moderne), Tverskoy boulevard, Malaya and Bolshaya Bronnaya Streets + Patriarch Ponds (Mikhail Bulgakov’s places)

4.00 Coffee break at Marivanna,  with an interior of a Soviet-time apartment

4.30 Metro tour

5.00 Christ the Savior’s Cathedral

5.30 Patriarch Bridge with panoramic views of Kremlin

6.00 Red October artistic cluster, Prechistenka Street (one of the oldest in Moscow, a mix of architecture from the 17th to the 20th century, Leo Tolstoy’s places)

7.00 pm Drop off at a local cafe/bar or getting back to the hotel

What you get:

• + A friend in Moscow.
• + Private & customized tour.
• + An exciting pastime, not just boring history lessons.
• + An authentic experience of local life.
• + Flexibility during the tour: changes can be made at any time to suit individual preferences.
• + Amazing deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the very best cafes & restaurants. Discounts on weekdays (Mon-Fri).
• + A photo session amongst spectacular Moscow scenery that can be treasured for a lifetime.
• + Good value for souvenirs, taxis, and hotels.
• + Expert advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Moscow.

*This Moscow tour can be modified to meet your preferences.

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Moscow Vibes – Three Day City Escape

Duration 3 days

Price from USD $730 ? Currency Conversion Converted from USD based on the latest exchange rate. Final amount and payment will be in USD. Final conversion rate is determined by your bank.

Trip Style Sightseeing

Time of year All Year

Home / Moscow Tours / Moscow Vibes – Three Day City Escape

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This short Moscow tour will give you a true taste of the history, culture and incomparable urban vibe that define one of the world’s largest metropolises. In just three days, this Moscow itinerary takes in all the most iconic sights of this attraction-packed destination. After two and half days getting acquainted with the city, we’ve set time aside for you to explore Moscow your way and discover your own favourite hang-outs in a city overflowing with hidden treasures

3-Day Moscow Tour Highlights:

• Panoramic Tour of Moscow: See Moscow beyond the postcard images on a private excursion by car through the city streets including a drive along the banks of the Moskva River. Visit the famous Bolshoi Theatre, pass by Gorky Park and the Novodevichy Convent, and admire the city from on high at the Sparrow Hill observation platform.
• Moscow Historical City Centre Guided Walking Tour : Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of one of the world’s biggest metropolises and discover local haunts on foot, including the Red Square, the Kremlin and the multi-coloured domes of St Basil’s Cathedral.
• Armory Chamber tour: Explore the endless treasures of this unique museum, displaying the wealth accumulated by Russian rulers from the 12th century until the October Revolution of 1917. Walking through the exhibition halls is a journey through the centuries.
• Moscow Metro Tour : Go deep underground on a subway tour of the famous Moscow metro. The world’s deepest metro system is renowned for its palatial, art-adorned stations, complete with marble columns and chandeliers.

On your first day, you’ll be treated to a panoramic, drive-by tour of Moscow to get a feel for the immense scale of one of the world’s most rapidly developing urban centres. The city’s history unfolds in real-time as you pass lavish imperial mansions, solemn Soviet structures and luxurious modern shopping centres.

Day two kicks off exploring Moscow’s historic centre on foot, followed by a tour of the Kremlin, the seat of Russian power and political intrigue for centuries. Stand in the Red Square, surrounded by the stunning architecture as you hear stories of the people and events behind many of Moscow’s most iconic landmarks.

On your final day, we’ll head beneath the city for a tour of the Moscow Metro and its famously ornate underground stations. Art lovers should hit up one of Moscow’s many world-class galleries such as the Tretyakov State Gallery, the Pushkin Museum or Garage, Moscow’s cutting-edge contemporary art museum. History fans can follow a Soviet trail through the city including Stalin’s Bunker, while those seeking a more indulgent experience can browse trendy neighbourhoods like Kitay Gorod or shop for everything from fashion to kitsch souvenirs at the enchanting Izmaylovo Flea Market. Foodies can head to one of the countless speciality stores sampling vodka, caviar and chocolate.

If you only have a few days to spend in Moscow, this tour will ensure you make the most of your time in the city. Let the experts navigate you through this complex and occasionally overwhelming capital, giving you plenty of time to soak up the city’s most unmissable attractions.

Accomodation

Not Included

Sightseeing

Action rating ?

Type of tour

3 days / 2 nights

Private - Any Date

Day 1 Panoramic city tour

Welcome to the glorious capital of Russia, Moscow! You’ll be met by your driver at the airport and taken to your centrally located hotel.

After check-in and rest, meet your private guide at the hotel lobby for a comprehensive tour of Moscow by car. Visit the starkly contrasting Theatre Square to see the stunning Bolshoi Theatre, pass Tverskaya Street, the city’s main boulevard and home to the landmark Yeleseyevskiy Grocery Store.

You’ll enjoy a panoramic drive along the Moskva River, where a huge, controversial state of Peter the Great was erected. Pass by the legendary Gorky Park and the White House before a stop at the architecturally stunning Novodevichy Convent, and the observation platform at Sparrow Hills, for a bird’s eye view over this staggering megalopolis.

Day 2 Red Square and Kremlin

After breakfast at the hotel, your guide will take you on a walking tour of the historical city centre. Stroll through the Red Square, the hub of cultural life in Moscow, with its elaborate ‘stone flower’ fountain and fantasy-like St Basil’s Cathedral – a postcard-perfect symbol of the nation. Admire the grandiose façade of GUM, the city’s most luxurious shopping centre, and visit Alexander’s Garden, with its eternal flame and the chance to watch a changing of the guards.

Break for lunch before continuing on a tour of the Kremlin and Armoury Chamber, famous of its collection of tsarist fashion, with regalia such as jewel-encrusted crowns, orbs and sceptres as well as arms and armour, exotic gifts from the leaders of faraway lands, and an illustrious case of Imperial Faberge eggs.

As an option* spend an evening on a sumptuous dinner cruise, taking in the stunning sights and city lights of this mesmerising metropolis by night.

Day 3 Metro and Arbat Street

Start a day with a tour of Metro, stopping on the way to marvel at some of the most elaborately decorated stations of the world-famous Moscow subway system. Take a stroll along Old Arbat street - the most famous street in Moscow. Through the centuries Arbat used to be one of the most bohemian places in Moscow. Today Arbat is a promenade full of small cozy cafes and street life.

The afternoon is free for you to either enjoy the rest of the day on your own or choose among optional excursions to explore more of Moscow. Visit the Tretyakov Gallery or Pushkin State Museum to admire Russian art. Join locals for a stroll at the Gorky or VDNH park.

Visit beautiful Kolomeskoye Estate or Izmailovo Kremlin, or spend a day exploring the beautiful city of the Golden Ring (Russian province) - Sergiev Posad. In the evening you will be transferred to the airport for your departure to your next destination.

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Group airport/train-station arrival and departure transfers

All transportation according to the itinerary with a private driver

4* hotel accommodation in the historical city center (twin/double)

Local licensed English-speaking guide

All activities, indicated in the itinerary, except optional

Entry fees according to the itinerary (skip-the-lines policy)

Russian visa support document

Travel insurance

Russian visa and visa fees. Russian visa can be arranged by 56th Parallel for an additional cost (for Australian citizens only). Apply for concierge visa service here .

Optional excursions/activities

*Private tour. Price is per person, based on min 2 people

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Our team offers over 18 years of experience travelling and planning travel in Russia. Delivering outstanding travel experiences in Russia’s capitals and in some of the most stunning & remote locations takes experience, special access and the right connections. We make sure that all the fine details are handled perfectly so you can enjoy your Russia travel experience.

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The choice to join a small group on a guaranteed departure or chose to travel on your own dates with your own mates. Each destination we travel to in Russia offers an option between private tours and small group tours. Please note: on our adventure tours in remote destinations, we mostly run group tours to keep the cost down.

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From USD $730

Day 1: Panoramic city tour

Day 2: red square and kremlin, day 3: metro and arbat street, not included, start planning your tour.

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