How to Travel to Komodo Island 2024 – Visit Komodo National Park

Updated March 18, 2024

Are you planning to go somewhere magnificent this year? You have many options, but we recommend you visit Komodo Dragon Island. On this island, you will see the heaviest lizard on earth, which can only be found on this island, and they live freely there. You won’t be disappointed and certainly won;t regret witnessing the breathtaking views surrounding it.

Where is Komodo National Park?

Komodo Island is part of Komodo National Park and encompasses 29 volcanic islands, including the three major islands Rinca, Padar, and Komodo. Located between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores in East Nusa Tenggara, it is home to Komodo dragons.

This island is home to not only Komodo dragons but also other terrestrial fauna, such as various species of reptiles, birds, and mammals. It is also known for its breathtaking landscapes and uniquely diverse terrain, consisting of mountainous hills, tropical rain forests, grass-woodland savannahs, and beautiful white sandy beaches.  

The main attraction of this island is the Komodo dragon, the ancient and heaviest lizard in the world. It can only be found and lives freely on Komodo and Rinca Island. It will be worth every penny to visit this beautiful island.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Komodo?

Although Komodo National Park can be visited at any time of the year, the timing is crucial for the most memorable experience. Each period offers the best experience that you can choose. Below we give you the cheat sheet of the best time to visit Komodo Island special for you!

• April to June

You can see a lot of manta rays and Komodo dragons in the park around the month of June. Besides that, the islands are green and lush as the rainy season has just ended. 

• July to August 

This is the Komodo dragon’s mating season, so it can be a little tough to see them as they interact at the forest’s water sources to find mates.

• September to November

This is the prime time to visit Komodo Island. It is manta ray season, whale season and Komodo dragon season.

• December to March

During this months, Komodo dragons tend to be active, so you can visit Komodo National Park during this period.

How to Get to Komodo Island

Getting to Komodo Island is a bucket list for travelers interested in nature and adventure. You must know that this trip requires several steps, including a flight to any big airport in Indonesia, a domestic flight to Labuan Bajo, and a boat trip to Komodo Island.

It will help you plan your trip wisely before you go to the island to avoid unwanted things. 

• Choose the best time to visit Komodo Island to get the best experience.  
• Plan your budget trip. It means you have to allocate funds for different aspects of your trip, such as transportation, accommodation, food, and activities. 
• Book the Komodo Island Tour First in advance after Scheduling your flight and hotels. This is because boat availability in Labuan Bajo is limited, and can even be fully booked 1 to 2 months before the trip begins.
• Tourists are well advised to arrive in Labuan Bajo the day before the boat trip, as it begins in the early morning.

How to Get to Komodo Island from Domestic Airport

It would be easy if you start your trip from any big city in Indonesia, especially Jakarta, Bali, and Lombok. The most convenient and best way to access Komodo Island is by taking a domestic flight to the nearest airport to the island, Komodo Airport.

Komodo Airport [LBJ] is located in Labuan Bajo town, on Flores Island. This airport is the main gateway to the most beautiful islands. Below is a guide to get to the island by taking a domestic flight.

A. Bali to Komodo Island 

If you start from Bali, you can take a domestic flight from Ngurah Rai Airport [DPS] to Komodo Airport [LBJ]. Several airplane options, such as Citilink and BatikAir, provide direct flights to Labuan Bajo. This flight usually takes one hour and 30 minutes, and it will cost you about USD 75.30.

B. Lombok to Komodo Island

Starting from Lombok, you can take a domestic flight from Lombok International Airport [LOP] to Komodo Airport [LBJ]. Several airplane options, such as SuperAirJet, LionAir, and Garuda Indonesia, provide direct connecting flights to Labuan Bajo, including one to two transits. The fastest flight usually takes nine hours and 15 minutes, and it will cost you about USD 137.48.  

C. Jakarta to Komodo Island

Starting from Jakarta, you can fly from Soekarno-Hatta Airport [CGK] to Komodo Airport [LBJ]. Several airplane options provide direct flights and direct connecting flights, including one to two stops. The fastest flight usually takes 2 hours and 30 minutes, which will cost you USD 127.57.

How to Get to Komodo Island from International Airport 

If you want to get to Komodo Island from abroad, you must head to Komodo Airport in Labuan Bajo first before getting to Komodo Island. There are no direct flights, but several airlines provide direct connecting flights to Komodo Airport. Below, we have compiled the flight options from the International Airport to Komodo Airport. 

A. From USA to Komodo Island

If you start from the USA Airport, you can take a flight from Boston [BOS] or Los Angeles [LAX] to Komodo Airport [LBJ]. The fastest flight will take about 11 hours and 55 minutes, which will cost you about USD 514.    

B. From the UK to Komodo Island

If you reside in the UK, you can fly from London Heathrow Airport [LHR] to Komodo Airport [LBJ]. The fastest flight will take about 20 hours and 35 minutes, including two stops. This route will cost you about USD 739.

C. From Australia to Komodo Island

If you depart from Australia, you can fly from Sydney Airport [SYD] to Komodo Airport [LBJ]. The fastest flight will take about eight hours and 50 minutes, including one stop. This route will cost you about USD 474.

D. From the Netherlands to Komodo Island

Starting from the Netherlands, you can fly from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport [AMS] to Komodo Airport [LBJ]. The fastest flight will take about 27 hours and 55 minutes, including four stops. This route will cost you about USD 682.

E. From Germany to Komodo Island 

You can fly from Frankfurt am Main Airport [FRA] to Komodo Airport [LBJ]. The fastest flight, including three stops, is approximately 23 hours and 40 minutes. This route will cost you about USD 856.

F. From France to Komodo Island

Depart from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport [CDG] to Komodo Airport [LBJ]. The fastest flight, including two stops, is approximately 22 hours. This route will cost you about USD 855.

G. From Italy to Komodo Island

You can fly from Rome Fiumicino Airport [FCO] to Komodo Airport [LBJ]. The fastest flight, including three stops, is approximately 25 hours and 25 minutes. This route will cost you about USD 581.

H. From Singapore to Komodo Island

You can depart from Singapore Changi Airport [SIN] to Komodo Airport [LBJ]. The fastest flight, including one-stop, takes about five hours and 50 minutes. This route will cost you around USD 210.

I. From Malaysia to Komodo Island

Depart from Kuala Lumpur Airport [KUL] to Komodo Airport [LBJ]. The fastest flight, including one-stop, takes about five hours and 50 minutes. This route will cost you around USD 133.

J. From Bangkok to Komodo Island

Take a flight from Suvarnabhumi Airport [BKK] to Komodo Airport [LBJ]. With one stop, the fastest flight is about 19 hours and 40 minutes. This route will cost you around USD 185.

K. From India to Komodo Island

Take the flight from Indira Gandhi Airport [DEL] to Komodo Airport [LBJ]. The fastest flight, including two stopovers, takes about 29 hours and 45 minutes and costs around USD 205.

L. From Russia to Komodo Island

Flights are available from Moscow Domodedovo Airport [DME] to Komodo Airport [LBJ]. With three stopovers, the flight takes about 37 hours and 55 minutes. This route will cost you around USD 912.

M. From Phuket to Komodo Island

There are flights from Phuket Airport [HKT] to Komodo Airport [LBJ]. It takes about 17 hours and 15 minutes, including 2 stopovers. Approximately USD 438 will be charged for this route. 

Read More: Why Choose a Boat Tour for Komodo Island?

Boat Tour to Komodo Island

It’s essential to remember! that access to Komodo National Park is exclusively through a boat tour. Visiting Komodo Island and encountering Komodo firsthand are among the park’s top attractions. To fully enjoy your vacation, including experiencing the underwater beauty via diving or snorkeling, lounging at Pink Beach, exploring Kanawa and Padar Islands, or witnessing the sunrise at Gili Lawa, we recommend opting for an overnight cruise around Komodo National Park.

For a comprehensive experience, if you have a flexible schedule, consider choosing a Komodo cruising package with options ranging from 3 to 9 nights, tailored to your available time.

Before planning your visit to Komodo National Park, it is essential to book your Komodo Island Boat Tour well in advance. This is due to limited boat availability in Labuan Bajo, which is often fully booked one to two months before the trip begins. Ensure you book a boat trip to Komodo Island from an officially registered tour agency with Labuan Bajo Flores Authority. You can choose KomodoLuxury for your effortless and hassle-free trip. 

KomodoLuxury is the best tour operator on Komodo Island, certified by TripAdvisor. We offer Komodo Island Tour Packages that include a tour guide, staying on a luxurious boat, snorkeling equipment, a life vest, and much more. Here are the options available from KomodoLuxury for you to select!

A. Komodo Boat Tour – Private Sailing Tour

This private sailing tour provides a personalized trip with three boat class options: deluxe, VIP, and VVIP. This package allows you to choose your own destination and the duration of the trip.  

This package is suited for you who want to sail and excursion with your loved ones, since the whole boat is for your group only. The price for this package varies depending on the destination, duration, and facilities. 

B. Komodo Boat Tour – Open/Share Trip 

This Open/Share Trip Komodo Island provides the experience of sailing and excursion to Komodo Island on a luxurious Phinisi boat with a cost-effective budget. Even though this package is budget-friendly, KomodoLuxury offers a sailing journey with comfortable amenities.

This package is suited for couples, small groups, or solo travelers who love meeting new people during the trip. 

C. Komodo Boat Tour – One Day Trip 

This one day trip allows you to visit Komodo National Park in one day. This package suits those eager to explore Komodo National Park but with limited time. KomodoLuxury will show you the best of Komodo National Park, even if your time is limited.

Read More: Tips for Booking Your Boat Tour

Travel Tips in Komodo National Park

Before going to Komodo National Park with us, here are some travel tips that might help to give you guidance on what to bring, and what to and not to do.

1. Safety First

Ensure a local ranger always guides you while exploring this island. Be accompanied by a Komodo ranger at all times and follow all of their instructions when near these dangerous lizards, although they may look pretty relaxed.

2. Protection From The Sun

The weather on Komodo Island can be arid and hot. Therefore, if you have sensitive skin, please wear cool clothing and wear your reef-friendly sunscreen and hat to protect your skin. In this park, it’s essential to apply sunscreen with at least a broad spectrum SPF 30+ for sufficient sun protection. And don’t forget to reapply every two hours.

3. Keep Yourself Hydrated

It’s essential to always bring your water tumbler with you to keep yourself hydrated. For outdoor activities such as trekking and hiking, it will help freshen you up in the heat.

Komodo National Park is vast and features crystal-clear waters. You can safely swim and snorkel at Pink Beach, with Manta Rays, at Manjarite, or on Kanawa Island. When you participate in a boat tour, the tour leader and ranger ensure that you cannot swim in the trekking areas where Komodo dragon are observed, such as at the docks of Rinca Island or Komodo Island. If you optional for a longer-duration package, there is Nusa Kode Island where Komodo dragon live in the wild. You can see Komodo dragon on the beach from a distance, but swimming is not allowed, as this area is not suitable for trekking due to the presence of wild Komodo dragon.

4. Be Careful with Menstruation Visits

For women, you can still visit Komodo National Park if you are on a menstrual period, as long as you are accompanied by a Komodo Ranger, Komodo Island expert guide. Please be aware that any kind of blood still can attract Komodo dragons to attack. Ensure you are staying close to your Komodo Ranger.

5. Swim in a Safe Area

Komodo National Park is vast and features crystal-clear waters. You can safely swim and snorkel at Pink Beach, with Manta Rays, at Manjarite, or on Kanawa Island. When you participate in a boat tour, the tour leader and ranger ensure that you cannot swim in the trekking areas where Komodo dragon are observed, such as at the docks of Rinca Island or Komodo Island. If you optional for a longer-duration package, there is Nusa Kode Island where Komodo dragon live in the wild. You can see Komodo dragon on the beach from a distance, but swimming is not allowed, as this area is not suitable for trekking due to the presence of wild Komodo dragon.

6. Cameras Ready

Bring your camera to take thousands of awesome pictures on this fascinating island. Komodo National Park is such a little gem for photographers. With the wide range of experiences you will encounter, from swimming with manta rays to trekking on several islands in the national park, it’s understandable that you would want to capture these moments perfectly.

For those looking to document their adventures with underwater photography, drone views from various peaks, and more, we recommend using our authorized partner, Labuan Bajo Production, has a professional photographer and videographer who can assist you. Their Expert team, skilled in underwater photography and equipped with a complete set of camera gear, will ensure your vacation is documented flawlessly.

Are you ready to explore Komodo Island with us? Get in touch with us, and start your luxury liveaboard with us! 

Read More: A Seasonal Guide: the Best Time to Visit Komodo Island