The Ultimate Komodo Island Tour Guide
When thinking of exploring Komodo you of course need to book a tour. A Komodo Island tour is the perfect opportunity to explore the beauty of the Komodo National Park.
There is a variety of tour options to choose from such as shared tours or private Komodo Island tours, as well as the most popular 3-day liveaboard trips. There’s something for everyone looking to experience the enchanting Komodo.
Visit our dedicated Komodo page to learn more about our Komodo Island tour.
Contents
Best Time to Visit Komodo Island
Weather
The climate of Komodo as well as the surrounding islands is tropical and warm throughout the year. Temperatures are averaging between 79°F to 86°F (26°C to 30°C). The different is made by the dry season which is from April to November offering sunny days and calm seas making it the most favorable time for outdoor activities and especially scuba diving or snorkeling.
The wet season typically starts with end of December extending up until end of February, early March. During this time the weather is unpredictable and not necessarily always rainy but when the weather is acting out, it makes any Komodo Island tour to be almost impossible to fulfill.
Peak and off-Peak seasons
The peak season on Komodo occurs from June to August, when most tourists visit matching with the typical western school holidays. To avoid the crowds and enjoy lower prices, consider visiting during the shoulder months of April, May, September, or October.
Don’t worry about visiting during shoulder tourism months because the weather is still good and you will not miss on anything.
Getting to Komodo Island
Flying into Labuan Bajo
Labuan Bajo is the gateway to Komodo National Park, the main city of the area. Labuan Bajo is accessible via daily flights from Bali and Jakarta as well as other smaller more remote areas such as Ende, Maumere or Kupang.
The flights from Bali are quite significant but often booked out but the flight itself is an easy 45 minutes. Because of the easy access from Bali, Komodo has become a main attraction especially for travelers who have visited Bali several times before.
Most flights between Bali, Jakarta – Komodo are offered by AirAsia, Batik Air, Citilink and Lion Air. We warmly recommend that you keep a close eye to the flights you book because all of the airlines are notorious for delays and last minute cancellations.
From Labuan Bajo, you can book a tour or charter a boat to explore the park and its islands.
Tour packages and private charters
A variety of tour packages and private charters are available to suit different budgets and preferences. These typically include transportation, meals, and guided tours of the park. Most of the Komodo Island tour operators can be found in Labuan Bajo but the popular resorts such as Komodo Resort, Ayana or Sudamala, all provide their own tours to their valued guests.
Regardless of the operator you may choose, and of course regardless of the Komodo island tour price you are looking for, most of the trips take guests to see the Komodo Dragons on Komodo Island, hiking Padar Island and visiting the beautiful Pink Beach.
Travel tip: If you are planning your Komodo island tour from Bali, you should book the tours ahead of time to ensure that you catch a spot. During the high season availability is extremely limited.
Private charters for your Komodo Island tour is always an option with advance booking. We recommend chartering a private speedboat to visit 4-5 spots in the Komodo National Park and especially to stop at either Manta Point or Mawan dive sites for a chance at snorkeling with the majestic Manta Rays.
Accommodations in Komodo
Hotels, Resorts and Hostels
Labuan Bajo has a range of hotels and hostels catering to different budgets and preferences. However the main accommodation type in and around Komodo are resorts and they can be found also for different budgets. Many if not all accommodations offer tour packages to Komodo National Park.
Accommodation recommendation: Considering staying at Komodo Resort found on Sebayur island, approximately 30 minutes away from Labuan Bajo, placed right at the entrance into the Komodo National Park. The strategy location will enable you to visit even the most distant spots in the park in record time. Komodo Resort is also the ideal dive resort.
Liveaboard
While staying in a hotel or resort is amazing, by far the best way to explore the Komodo National Park, especially if you are a diver is to join one of the popular Liveaboards such as Neptune Liveaboards offering some of the most luxurious yet affordable Komodo liveaboard.
There are several other Liveaboards to consider to explore Komodo with: Komodo Sea Dragon, Prana, or Damai.
Although most of these Liveaboards offer itineraries extending up to 8 days and 7 nights, Komodo Sea Dragon for example offers shorter itineraries even 4 days 3 nights.
Attractions and Activities
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
Komodo National Park is renowned for its incredible marine biodiversity and to the seasonal divers Komodo is on their bucket list, top of the top of scuba diving in the world.
Popular dive sites such as Manta Point, Castle Rock, and Batu Bolong are some of the main reasons why divers visit here and book their Komodo Island tour. Just imagine swimming with tens and tens of Manta Rays, watching sharks feeding or enjoying the stunning coral reef in Batu Bolong.
Komodo Dragon Tour
Nobody books a Komodo Island tour without visiting the Komodo Dragons. These prehistoric lizards can be seen in their natural habitat on Komodo Island but they can also be seen on Rinca Island although Rinca is now more like a zoo than anything else.
Hiking in Padar Island
Padar Island has quickly become the iconic view point and the main marketing pictures of Komodo. The view from the top of the Padar Island is simply stunning and needs no introduction, definitely a place worth to visit.
The hike is not difficult nor it is easy. It is recommended for all ages, but despite the stairs, if you have troubles with your knees it’s best not to adventure on this hike.
Travel tip: If you’re planning to fly a drone at Padar Island, you must apply for a permit at the harbour office. The permit costs 1,000,000 IDR.
Visiting Pink Beach
Part of any Komodo island tour, visiting Pink Beach is a must. The pristine waters surrounding the beach offer excellent snorkeling and relaxation opportunities but do adventure with taking pictures here because they will be images to remember.
There are a couple more activities to be done in the Komodo National Park but with a special Komodo Island tour you can also visit the famous Flying Foxes at Kalor island. The Flying Foxes are a sunset adventure and we warmly recommend that you book this tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Komodo Island tour?
A Komodo Island tour refers to a guided excursion to Komodo Island, one of the few places on Earth where you can encounter the famous Komodo dragons in their natural habitat. These tours typically include transportation, guided hikes, wildlife spotting, snorkeling, and a chance to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Komodo National Park.
How do I get to Komodo Island for a tour?
To reach Komodo Island, you will first need to fly to Labuan Bajo, a town located on Flores Island in Indonesia. Labuan Bajo has an airport that connects to major cities in Indonesia. From Labuan Bajo, you can join a tour package that includes a boat ride to Komodo Island or book a local boat charter.
What can I expect to see and do on a Komodo Island tour?
During a Komodo Island tour, you can expect to see the iconic Komodo dragons up close, as well as other wildlife such as deer, monkeys, and a variety of bird species. You can explore the island's stunning landscapes, hike to viewpoints, and relax on beautiful pink sand beaches. Snorkeling or diving in the crystal-clear waters surrounding the island is also a popular activity, where you can witness vibrant coral reefs and marine life.
Are Komodo Island tours safe?
Komodo Island tours are generally safe, especially when conducted by reputable tour operators. It is important to follow the instructions of your guides and avoid approaching the Komodo dragons without proper supervision. These powerful creatures should be observed from a safe distance to ensure your safety.
When is the best time to visit Komodo Island?
The best time to visit Komodo Island is during the dry season, which typically runs from April to November. During this time, the weather is generally sunny with less rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities and wildlife sightings. However, it's important to note that Komodo Island tours operate year-round, so you can plan your visit according to your preferred travel dates.
