Is Komodo Island Worth Visiting? How To Visit & What To Expect

Is Komodo Island worth visiting? After speaking to a few people, we decided to visit the National Park (Where Komodo Island is) to make up our own minds as to whether it’s worth visiting or not.

But firstly, let me just tell you how excited I was to visit and how confused I was when I heard people saying it wasn’t worth it. For me, Komodo National Park was one of the most important places to visit while we were in Indonesia. It was on my bucket list for years. Ever since I was a little girl and saw a documentary on the fascinating animals that lived there!

Did you know that Komodo National Park is the only habitat for Komodo dragons in the world? It was a dream come true when we finally reached the park and were able to see them.

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No Sugar Coating – Find Out If Komodo Island Is Worth Visiting Today!

In this post, I’ll share our experience visiting Komodo National Park and tell you why I think Komodo Island is worth visiting. We’ll also cover topics including:

• What you can expect from your trip including which islands you’ll visit and essential park information.
• The best Komodo Island Boat Trips, so you can book an awesome trip!
• I’ll also include cost details from our own trip in 2022.
• The best ways to get to Komodo Island and how to move around.

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Is Komodo Island Worth Visiting?

Is Komodo Island worth visiting? In short, the answer is yes, Komodo National Park is worth visiting. There is no denying it’s a beautiful park. It’s very scenic with sweeping views, majestic Komodo dragons, unique beaches, and lots of nature.

However, since Jack and I were backpacking Bali for a few months before we decided to head to Flores (the island Komodo National Park is on) we heard a lot of stories of people not enjoying their trip, but we also heard some fantastic tales.

We were quite lucky as when we visited Komodo National Park it wasn’t busy. It was towards the end of the Covid pandemic so tourism had not yet picked up. Meaning it was a lot more peaceful and quiet than it would normally be.

We enjoyed our trip, and do think a visit to Komodo Island is worth it, especially if it’s somewhere you’ve dreamt about visiting.

However, there are a few caveats I want to mention, mainly some elements which disappointed us. If the park had been at its peak, I’m not convinced it would have been as enjoyable. We also visited Komodo Island on a budget, so we probably didn’t get to experience the best boat trip on offer.

Even though our tour guide and the people on our tour were amazing, the boat was getting full of engine fumes at times… Nevertheless, the final thoughts were positive, and we did have a memorable experience.

✔️ Read about our whole experience further down, where I go into more detail about the trip and what you can expect!

Who will love Komodo National Park?

If you’re someone who’s interested in nature, you should visit at least once. The scenery is stunning, and the Komodos are fascinating. You’ll certainly think Komodo Island is worth visiting.

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Where Is The Island Of Komodo?

Komodo Island is an island in the Komodo National Park of Indonesia where you can find the endemic Komodo dragon. The park is made up of a number of islands located within the Lesser Sunda Islands in the border region between the provinces of East Nusa Tenggara and West Nusa Tenggara.

Indonesia is a HUGE country below Thailand and Singapore and above Australia. It’s surprisingly big and made up of lots of thousands of islands, which means it’s a great place to go island hopping!

We soon discovered that the best way to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site was by taking a Komodo National Park island boat trip. But first, we had to find out exactly how to get there and which tour to go on!

Komodo National Park Map

How To Get To Komodo (Flores)

There are numerous ways to get to Flores, which is the closest island to Komodo National Park. Flores is where you will need to get to for the majority of tours departing for the park.

There are other options from more popular spots such as Bali and Lombok. Are you going to Bali or Lombook too, check out these posts:

• How To Plan An Epic 3 Weeks In Bali: Adventure Itinerary
• What Is Canggu Known For? 21 Unique Things To Do
• Is Uluwatu Worth Visiting? Don’t Visit Without Reading This
• Escape To Lombok: Is It Worth Visiting In?

Getting To Flores By Plane

The fastest and easiest way to reach Flores is to fly. There are numerous daily internal flights from all of the major islands of Indonesia to Flores. Luckily, these are relatively affordable.

We made our way to Labuan Bajo in Flores from the island of Lombok by plane rather than catching multiple buses and ferries. 

The price was (2022) around £45 p/p which was only slightly more expensive than if we had caught the bus. If you’re after more information on catching buses and ferries, this post is good! 🙂

✔️ Good to know: Indonesia is prone to delays in travel, that being said, so are all the other countries! If you have had trouble in the past Check Out AIR HELP. They HELP YOU get compensation for delayed or cancelled flights!

Getting To Flores By Bus

The cheapest way to reach Flores is to catch a bus. Navigating Indonesia can be tricky at times however it is possible to use this method, especially if you’re on a tight budget this might be for you!

If leaving from Bali, you will need to catch various buses and ferries to reach Komodo so it might be a good idea to break this trip up and visit other areas on your way to Flores. 

✅ One of the best TRANSPORT companies to use if you’re travelling around Asia is 12GO. They have great transportation options and are very reliable, especially in Indonesia. We love using them!

Are You Thinking To Self-Drive?

Another way which could be fun is to take a road trip. Driving cars (or scooters) in Indonesia is possible and can be a really good way to explore the country. You will have to catch a number of ferries but you’ll pass through some stunning landscapes!

✅ If you’re hoping to take an Indonesian Road Trip (which, frankly, sounds epic! Check out Discover Cars, which we recommend and a favourite among travellers!

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How To Travel To Komodo National Park?

👉 A visit to Komodo National Park will always be with a tour agency as the national park and Komodo dragons are highly protected, and you won’t be able to go by yourself.

You will reach Komodo National Park by boat.

That being said, there are a lot of different tours on offer all ranging from 1-day excursions to 10-day sailing trips. You can go on a luxury private tour to a fully loaded party boat.

⭐ I want to point out that we booked independently, which will always be cheaper, BUT ALSO RISKIER. This way is not suitable for all travellers, and I know not everyone likes doing this. So, to find your own amazing Komodo National Park Tours and Tickets click here!

The Top 3 Komodo Boat Trips From Flores!

The best place to find the best deals on the Komodo sailing trip is in the fishing town of Labuan Bajo on the northern tip of Flores. Flores is worth a couple of days of your time to be explored too.

👉 However, if you’re looking to book online I’ve found these private boat tours which are highly rated and look pretty much identical (in location) to the trip we did, they will make visiting Komodo Island worth it:
✅ 2-Day Komodo Island. Private 2-Day Tour with Boat Stay
✅ 3-Day Komodo Island. Private 3-Day Tour with Boat & Hotel Stay
✅ 4-Day Komodo Island. Private 4-Day Boat Trip with Lodging & Meals

From Bali & Lombok

There are tour agencies operating out of Bali and Lombok which, although we didn’t do this option, will sail from there. However, these are longer tours and will cost more than those at Flores. 

How Many Days Should You Visit?

We think that a 3-day Komodo Island boat trip is the perfect amount of time to visit Komodo National Park. We did a 3-day/2-night sailing trip which gave us plenty of time to enjoy the national park without feeling rushed.

There are quite a few islands to explore and other activities such as snorkelling, hiking and seeing the bats (which we missed due to bad weather – we visited during the wet season) but 3 days gives you enough time to do it all. We actually even got to choose where we wanted to go on our last day!

That said, if you want more time relaxing on your boat trip, go for the 4 days as you’ll have an extra day of exploring the park. It’s a stunning national park and spending time lounging around is definitely something worth doing while you’re visiting Komodo Island!

Stay Updated On Weather Conditions!

When planning your trip to Komodo National Park, it’s important to keep in mind the weather conditions of the region. As mentioned above, we went during the rainy season and so one day was limited as we had a downpour. But, it was also cheaper to visit at this time!

Although the park is located relatively close to the equator and temperatures are generally warm throughout the year. But there are seasons of higher-than-normal rainfall which bring about dangerous storms and powerful tides.

Be sure to stay updated with news of any potential weather events and plan your itinerary accordingly.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Komodo Island?

When we searched for information online about when to visit Komodo National Park it was clear that the best time to visit Komodo Island is between April and June.

However, sometimes you can’t fit your dates into the ‘best time’ and have to hope for the best. We actually visited Komodo National Park towards the end of January (which they say is the worst time) and found it to be okay.

We had one small storm on the second evening which meant we missed seeing the bats fly. However, the days were mostly sunny and hot and the landscape was very green.

✔️ The Rainy Season: Jan to mid-March can have heavy winds, waves and high rainfall, meaning fewer tours run, especially in Feb.

✔️ The Best Time: Apr-Jun is a comfortable temp, cool and fresh at night with calm seas. This is when you are likely to see the whale sharks.

✔️ The High Season: Jul-Aug is hot, sunny, and more expensive than other times, often tour boats clutter popular snorkel spots.

✔️ The Dry Season: Sept, Oct and Nov for warm weather and fewer tour boats, meaning you have all the tracks to yourself!

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What Is Komodo National Park Famous For?

When you visit Komodo National Park you will realise it comprises 29 islands. The main three – Komodo Island, Padar Island and Rinca Island – are the most visited.

The total area of the park is 1,733km². It’s got a volcanic origin creating a rugged, dry terrain – the perfect habitat for the Komodo dragon! It’s the only place in the world where these animals have survived. Due to this, it’s one of the top 10 places to visit in the world!

The park also has one of the richest marine biodiversities on earth making it a mesmerising place for snorkelling and diving attracting marine life such as whale sharks, sunfish, rays, the pygmy seahorse and the blue-ringed octopus to name a few.

Understand Park Policies And Rules

If you’re visiting Komodo National Park, it’s important to remember that you must abide by park rules and regulations. These rules are put in place to protect wildlife and visitors alike.

For example, you’re not allowed to swim in any of the rivers or lagoons within the park, as these areas are home to many different species of animals. It’s safer to use a local guide to travel across the park, don’t make too much noise and keep your distance if you spot a Komodo dragon (unless advised by your guide or ranger).

Additionally, all visitors must show respect for the environment and wildlife while exploring the park.

Have The Proper Equipment And Gear

In order to enjoy your trip to the fullest extent and stay safe, it’s important to prepare with the right equipment.

Make sure you bring along sturdy shoes that can grip various terrain, protective clothing against both sun and rain and a fully charged cellphone with access to international roaming plans in case of emergency.

Additionally, be sure to equip yourself with necessary items such as sunscreen and insect repellent.

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What To Expect From The Komodo Island Boat Trip!

After scouting up and down the main street in Labuan Bajo and getting hold of a few quotes we finally found a company we felt happy and comfortable with – trip.intimesea. They were very helpful, professional and knowledgeable which helped us make our decision. 

We visited one place which was very dodgy and knew we were not going to use them even though they initially gave us a slightly cheaper price!

Entrance Fee To Komodo National Park

The entrance fee has gone up and cost us 350,000 IDR (£20/$24). We managed to get the entrance fee included in our Komodo Island boat trip fee, but it did take some persuasion.

You can too, just make sure not to assume it’s included, this can be a hidden cost if you’re not careful. 🙂

Where Did We Go?

The sailing trip started at the port in Labuan Bajo. From Labuan Bajo, we travelled through the evening and night to reach Komodo National Park by morning. 

Included in our trip was a stop at 4 of the park’s protected islands. The main two were Komodo Island and Padar Island. We also had the chance to go snorkelling and hiking at the other lesser-known spots. 

We had hoped to visit Rinca island which we were told is the best island to see the Komodo dragons but the island was closed during our visit. If you’re going, make sure Rinca is on the itinerary!

What Was The Boat Like?

The boat was okay. It probably could have done with a little jazzing up but it served its purpose well, that is to say, it didn’t sink! The only issue we had was that we did more motoring than sailing and the downstairs quarters did get full of engine fumes on one occasion.

Nevertheless, it was a budget-friendly excursion. The captain and crew were very relaxed and nice people. We were free to move around the deck and sunbathe on the top level. There were not many restrictions only those that affected our safety. 

What Were The Meals Like?

A typical meal included the following. They were cooked fresh every time by the staff:

• Breakfast: Fried rice, omelette, toast and spreads, fresh fruit, coffee and tea.
• Lunch: Steamed rice, fry noodles, stir fry vegetables, steamed vegetables, selection of meats and/or tofu and tempeh dishes. 
• Dinner: Similar to lunch – we had steamed and fried fish, rice and noodles, and fresh fruit

⭐ The BIGGEST TAKEWAY For Your Trip: It’s worth investing a little more to get a slightly better boat. If you can, opt for the 3-day sailing trip.

How Much Does It Cost To Visit Komodo Island?

However, we were looking to book a budget-friendly trip and so that’s what we did. There are tour companies offering trips to suit all budgets. However, be prepared to have realistic expectations if you do have a lower-end budget, the boat won’t be perfect.

Since visiting Komodo Island can be done at a reasonable price, it’s a possible destination for budget travellers who might already be in Indonesia. If you are, then I would say visit even if you have to compromise slightly on quality.

Read More: Looking to travel to Bali on a budget? Find out how you can save money to make it a budget-friendly trip!

If you’re thinking to head out to visit Komodo Island for your main holiday it can be done in style. Which, considering the type of boats we saw it looks like it would be very luxurious! I would, however, suggest visiting other areas of Indonesia during your trip as well.

Our Trip Costs

⭐ All costs are indicative only and likely to change. Please check rates with your hotel or tour agency.

Unlike other tours and places we had visited during the pandemic, the Komodo sailing trip actually went up in price. We found a three-day/two-night trip for 5,630,000 IDR for two people (about £311/$390):

• Cost of sailing trip: 5,630,000 / £311 / $390 This price included a transfer to the port and a private room with a shared bathroom on a six-bedroom boat. Breakfast, lunch and dinner; snorkel equipment entrance fee.
• Entrance fee to Komodo National Park: 350,000 / £19.40 /$25 – this was included in our sailing trip cost 

Additional Costs In Labuan Bajo:

• Scooter Hire (1 day): 70,000 / £3.88 / $4.80
• Petrol (full tank): 45,000 / £2.50 / $3.11
• Entrance to Cunca Wulang waterfall: 55,000 / £3.00 / $3.70
• Snacks: 5,000 / £0.28 pot noodles. 35,000 / £1.90 fried noodles (mie goreng). 50,000 / £2.77 fruit smoothie

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IS KOMODO ISLAND WORTH VISITING?

Visiting The Islands Of Komodo National Park

The hot and dry climate of Komodo National Park which is a mix of a woodland-grassland ecosystem characterised by widely spaced trees and grasses makes the perfect habitat for komodo dragons. 

Endemic to the park, the endangered Komodo dragons are the world’s largest lizards and are found only on a handful of the park’s 29 islands. 

They can grow to three meters and can be very dangerous with a poisonous bite that can kill a person if not treated!

Komodo Island Visit

Most day tours will make a stop at Komodo island but it will be rushed. We had the whole afternoon to explore the island with four different treks (short, medium, long and adventure) available. It’s important to take a guide who will ensure your safety and knows the park well. 

We agreed the long hike (the adventure hike taking four hours and being closed) was the next best thing hoping it would increase our chances of seeing the Komodo dragon.

Along the trek, we passed a couple of nests and were told that when the females are ready to lay their eggs they will dig out several large chambers depositing their eggs in one. It wasn’t until the end of the trek back near the beach that we finally saw a Komodo dragon, but so had everyone else!

It was a shame we didn’t get to see one on the trek and have it all to ourselves but nevertheless, it was fantastic to find this one. The dragon was about 2.5m with moulting tough skin and sharp claws.

It appeared very lazy only moving when goaded (which we weren’t very happy about) suggesting it had a full belly as they seek the sun to bask after eating. It was captivating!

Padar Island Visit

You’ve probably seen photos of Padar Island thinking it was Komodo island! It’s a stunning island with four distinctively coloured beaches. Pink, black, white and yellow, which can be admired from a viewpoint at the top of a high hill.

The climb to the top is relatively easy and takes around 30 minutes. It gets quite busy so it’s best to go early morning and you’ll even be able to catch the sunrise. 

The landscape was unbeatable, we had perfect 360-panoramic views of Komodo National Park!

Afterwards, we headed to the famous pink beach, (Tangsi beach) on Padar island’s far southeastern shore. It’s one of only ten pink-sanded beaches in the world and appears pink due to the microscopic organisms that pulverise a red coral. The coral mixes with the white sand creating the illusion of a pink beach! 

Snorkelling In Komodo National Park

Having hoped we would be scuba diving but not being able to, the next best thing was snorkelling. We were really excited about snorkelling during our visit to Komodo National Park knowing it was full of opportunities to see marine life. 

On our first day, we managed a quick snorkel around Kanawa Island. It was great, beautiful clear water with little pockets of corals and fish circling small rocks.

Sadly the second go wasn’t so great, it was clear that a lot of the coral was in distress with bleaching having already occurred. What was sadder still was people didn’t seem to realise that the coral was dying. Instead, they were taking photos and videos of the near-dead coral and not understanding it wasn’t meant to look like that. 

I wanted to leave feeling guilty I was contributing to the problem – the boat was running a generator all night and most of the day. I did find a large rock clinging to life. It was surrounded by live corals and fish, and there was even a lobster hiding in a small crevice. 

Amazingly, Jack also spotted a green turtle when I was en route back to the boat, my spirit lifted a little! 

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Staying in Labuan Bajo, Flores

We stayed at La Boheme, a colourful hostel on the waterfront which offers great facilities for backpackers. It had dorms and private rooms with a large game room and a shared kitchen. 

It was evident that the hostel got busy and had great activities but unfortunately for us, it was almost empty when we visited. Due to Covid, which meant we didn’t get the full experience of staying in such a fun hostel! Nevertheless, it was still clean with air-con and right in the town centre. 

✅ Interested in Visiting Labuan Bajo? Browse for accommodation in Labuan Bajo by clicking here. Remember peak season is April to June, so it might be a little more expensive!

Where to Eat In Labuan Bajo?

By this point in the trip we were really trying to save money and so were eating meals in the hostel cafe or making instant noodles. But one place which can’t be missed is Green Cherry restaurant. It was located five minutes from the hostel and overlooked the harbour. They did the most sensational basil and lime sorbet which I don’t think I’ll ever stop craving! 

It’s also worth taking a walk along the main road which is dotted with many cafes and tour agencies. At the end of the street next to the port, there are market stalls selling fresh fruit and local dishes too.

Cunca Wulang Waterfall

Before we took off to visit Komodo National Park on our sailing trip we hired a scooter for the day (70,000 IDR/£3.90) and headed to a canyon about a 2 hours drive away! 

There are lots of waterfalls to choose from but after sticking my finger on the map it was Cunca Wulang waterfall. We were heading to a magical waterfall hiding between large rock formations and falling into a turquoise river. 

There are a couple of cool suspended bridges which need to be crossed to reach the waterfall and you’ll have to take a guide which costs around 55,000 IDR p/p (£2.80)

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Conclusion: Is Komodo Island Worth Visiting?

Visiting Komodo National Park and seeing the dragons in the wild was wild. It really was fantastic, made even better by the group of people who joined us on our Komodo boat trip. 

We had the best few days sailing through the crystal clear waters, visiting beaches and getting close to the wonderful Komodo dragons.

However, navigating and organising a trip can be tricky, especially if you go independently. Hopefully, after reading this you are now fully equipped to plan your own trip and know if visititng Komodo island is going to be worth it for you!

👉 Read Next: Is Bali Worth Visiting In 2023? The Pros & Cons!