How to Get to Komodo Island from the USA

Located in the eastern part of Indonesia, the Komodo Islands boast a captivating natural charm that attracts travelers from across the globe. If you want to get to the Komodo Island from the USA, here’s what you need to know about getting there.

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Introducing Komodo Island

Komodo Island is located off the western coast of Flores Island in Indonesia and is known for its stunning landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and unique wildlife, including the world-famous Komodo dragons.

The Komodo Islands are located between the East and West Nusa Tenggara regions and are made up of 29 islands. One of this island’s most famous tourist attractions is Komodo National Park, which was declared a World Heritage Site and Man and Biosphere by UNESCO in 1986.

This island is home to at least 2,500 Komodo dragons, giant ancient lizards that can grow up to three meters in length and weigh around 70 kg. Besides, you can also enjoy the underwater beauty and explore the island. If you are wondering how to get to Komodo Island, especially from the USA, we have compiled this list of everything you should know.

Planning Your Trip to Komodo Island from the USA

If you plan to visit Komodo Island from the USA, note that the journey involves multiple flights and a boat ride, so having a precise itinerary will ease the process.

1. Booking Your Flight to Indonesia from the USA

When planning a trip to Komodo Island, know how to get there, which transportation to go there, and from which airport to which season to book. If you’re in the USA, you can fly connecting Labuan Bajo with several cities in Indonesia, such as Bali, Jakarta, and Surabaya. Here are the flight options available to Ngurah Rai Airport [DPS] in Bali.

A. East Coast Side

If you reside in Boston, you can opt for a flight to Bali, Indonesia, from the East Coast Side with one to two-stop transit.

BOS to DPS (Boston to Denpasar) with Qatar Airlines

Outbound Flight: Depart from Boston Logan International at 9:35 PM and arrive in Denpasar at 3:30 PM two days later.
Flight Details: The outbound flight includes stops at Doha Airport and Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

B. West Coast Side

Meanwhile, if you’re from the West Coast Side, below are details about flight options you can choose from.

1. LAX to DPS (Los Angeles to Denpasar, Bali) with Japan Airlines + Transnusa

Outbound Flight: Departs from Los Angeles International Airport at 11:50 AM and arrives in Denpasar, Bali at 11:25 PM 2 days later.
Flight Details: The outbound flight includes stops at Tokyo Narita Airport and Soekarno-Hatta Airport.

2. SFO to DPS (San Francisco to Denpasar, Bali) with Singapore Airlines

Outbound Flight: Departs from San Francisco International Airport at 09:40 AM and arrives in Denpasar, Bali at 11:55 PM a day later.
Flight Details: The outbound flight includes one-stop transit at Singapore Changi Airport

3. SEA to DPS (Seattle to Denpasar, Bali) with Korean Air by Delta

Outbound Flight: Departs from Seattle/Tacoma International Airport at 10:10 AM and arrives in Denpasar, Bali at 11:55 PM a day later.
Flight Details: The outbound flight includes one-stop transit at Incheon International Airport.

Estimated cost: Flight prices significantly depend on the booking time, season, and departure city. A round-trip economy ticket class will cost you from USD 700 to USD 1,500.

2. Connecting Flights to Labuan Bajo

When you arrive in Indonesia, you must continue your journey to Labuan Bajo, a small town on the island of Flores, which is the gateway to Komodo National Park. You can go there by air, by land, or by water. But most travelers choose to go to Labuan Bajo by domestic flights. Several daily flights are available from Bali [DPS], Jakarta [CGK], and Surabaya [SUB] to Komodo Airport [LBJ] in Labuan Bajo via local airlines like Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, and Batik Air. Below are your flight options to Komodo Airport [LBJ] from Bali.

If you take a flight from Bali [DPS], several airplane options, such as Lion Air, Citilink, and Batik Air, provide direct flights to Labuan Bajo [LBJ]. It will cost you approximately USD 75.

If you take a flight from Jakarta [CGK], there are some direct and 1 stop flights. You can go to Labuan Bajo with several airlines, such as Batik Air, Citilink, Garuda Indonesia, Air Asia, and Lion Air. It will cost you approximately USD 112.

The travel time from Bali to Labuan Bajo is around 1 hour and 15 minutes, and Jakarta to Labuan Bajo is around 2 hours and 20 minutes. It offers stunning views of the Indonesian archipelago. Labuan Bajo’s Komodo Airport is only a 10-minute drive from the main port of Labuan Bajo. You must note that this airport is small; often, flights in and out of Labuan Bajo get delayed, rescheduled, or canceled, so you need flexible travel plans.

3. Boat Trip From Labuan Bajo to Komodo Island

Please note! Komodo Island is a part of Komodo National Park and can only be reached by boat from Labuan Bajo harbor. So, upon arriving at Komodo Airport, you must take a taxi to Labuan Bajo Harbor, which will cost you approximately USD 6,20.

It is best to take an overnight boat trip around Komodo Island to explore all of the islands in the area. You can choose the Komodo Tour Package with options ranging from 3 to 9 nights.

Make sure you book your Komodo Island Boat Tour well in advance before your arrival. Since there are only a limited number of boats available in Labuan Bajo, the Komodo Island Boat Tour cannot be purchased on the spot and can be fully booked up to two months in advance.

If you want to have a pleasant experience, make sure you research reliable tour operators. Consider a tour operator with experience and trust on Komodo Island, such as Komodo Luxury. With qualified guides and excellent service, Komodo Luxury is a TripAdvisor-certified tour operator. Komodo Luxury offers Komodo Island Tour Packages that include a luxury boat liveaboard while sailing around the island. Here are the packages you can choose from! :

A. Komodo Boat Tour – Private Sailing Tour

For those who want more privacy while sailing with their loved ones, private sailing packages are perfect. The entire boat will be reserved exclusively for your group. For a customized trip, you can choose your destination and duration.

The open/shared trip is ideal for travelers traveling alone, with a partner, or in a small group. You can enjoy a cost-effective sailing experience with excellent service and meet new people.

C. Komodo Boat Tour – Full-day/One-day Trip

This one-day trip is perfect if you have limited time and want to explore Komodo National Park. In one day, Komodo Luxury takes you by speedboat to the best attractions in Komodo National Park.

How Much Does It Cost to Go to Komodo Island

Komodo Island entrance tickets are not included in the Komodo Boat Tour Package. Here are the entrance ticket prices for Komodo National Park, including Komodo Island (Last updated April 2024):

IDR 320,000 or USD 19,78 /person for Indonesian Citizens
IDR 620,000 or USD 38 /person for foreigners
Children 0-2 years old are free
Children 3-4 years old pay for 50% of the price
Children >5 years old must pay in full
Drone flight permit fee IDR 1,030,000 or USD 64

Entry permits for Komodo National Park must be paid directly in Indonesian Rupiah or IDR (cash only). You can visit various destinations within the park, including Komodo Island, and you can snorkel there for an additional fee.

Note: Make sure you have enough cash on hand since there are no ATMs or money changers in the Komodo National Park area.

So, when are you going to Komodo Island boat tour from the USA?

If you need any information or assistance regarding the tour package, boat capacity, and amenities, feel free to contact us through the KomodoLuxury website.

We will be delighted to answer all of your questions. Visit our Instagram page to see our customers’ stories on their trips with us. Let us take care of your trip because, for you, it’s time to relax, enjoy nature, and have some adventure around the Komodo National Park.