Komodo Islands: Everything you need to know

The Komodo Islands in Indonesia will likely be one of the most incredible trips you’ll ever take. The islands are spread across a wide marine national park. Many of us will have seen the Komodo dragons in nature documentaries. Maybe that’s how this place ended up on your list. However, the islands have much more to offer than these giants that can sometimes become 3 meters long! There is Padar viewpoint, pink beach, manta point and many more incredible spots. You won’t be able to see it all in a day, so a longer boat tour is the best way to explore this area of Indonesia. A multi-day boat tour allows you to experience Komodo at a slower pace. You can reach islands early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when light is softer and it’s a little bit less busy.

See my travel route for Flores here.

How to get to the Komodo Islands

The ‘Base’ to visit the Komodo Islands is Labuan Bajo. This town is located on Flores island. These days it’s quite easy to get there. Flights from Bali to Labuan Bajo’s airport take around an hour. The airport is a 5-minute ride from Labuan Bajo town. From Labuan Bajo you can embark on a Multi day boat tour to see the islands.

There is also an option to take a boat tour from Lombok to Flores, but I’d advise against it. This is a very popular route, but groups are usually very large, they feed whale sharks along the way and if you’re unlucky you’ll have to face rough seas.

Book your boat trip with easy Komodo

I explored the region on a multi-day sailing route aboard Soe Besar von Rei, a luxury-category Phinisi, a traditional Indonesian wooden ship adapted for comfortable cruising. My friend did a lot of research on the different ships and I tagged along. My jaw dropped when we entered the ship as I was not expecting so much luxury!

We departed from the port in Labuan Bajo. This style of travel is well suited to Komodo, where time on the water is as much a part of the experience as the destinations themselves. You’ll be spending quite a bit of time on the water, so you want to choose a comfortable ship.

On easy Komodo you can choose to join an open trip or choose a private charter if you’re doing a trip with family and friends.

What will you see on a multi day boat tour

Komodo Island and the Dragons

Komodo Island is home to the Komodo dragon, the world’s largest living lizard. Visitors explore the island on guided walks accompanied by local rangers, who ensure safety and provide insight into the dragons’ behavior and habitat. Encounters are typically calm and controlled, with dragons often seen resting near paths or in shaded areas. There are three places to see Komodo dragons: Komodo Village (Komodo Island), Loh Liang (Komodo Island), and Rinca Island. Usually, the captain and guide will decide the best spot to visit depending on weather conditions and mating season. Komodo Island is the most visited. You’ll first walk trough a local village, before venturing further onto the island to see the Dragons.

Manta Point

Manta Point is a designated cleaning station where manta rays regularly gather. Snorkeling conditions vary depending on tides and currents, and the experience can be physically demanding. However, for confident swimmers, the opportunity to observe manta rays gliding through the water is one of the highlights of the Komodo Islands.

If you have the chance to also dive in Komodo, absolutely do it! It’s a great diving destination and I booked a few dives to do after the boat tour.

Kelor Island

Kelor Island is often the first stop after departing Labuan Bajo and serves as an introduction to Komodo’s distinctive landscapes. A short hike leads to a viewpoint overlooking a sheltered bay framed by dry, rolling hills. Though the walk is brief, the incline is steep, and the midday sun can be strong. After the hike, the calm waters around the island offer a refreshing place to swim. If you’re lucky you can see lot’s of baby blacktip reef sharks! I found it super fun to snorkel here. We ended up doing this on the last day.

Manjarite Island

Manjarite Island is known for its clear water and accessible snorkeling. A wooden jetty extends into the sea, and coral reefs begin almost immediately below the surface. The currents here are typically mild, making it suitable for snorkelers of all experience levels. Visibility is often excellent, with reef fish and healthy coral formations visible in shallow water.

Kalong Island – Flying foxes

Kalong Island is visited not for beaches or snorkeling, but for one of Komodo’s most memorable wildlife experiences. At sunset, thousands of flying foxes emerge from the mangrove forests, taking to the sky in long streams as they fly toward Flores to feed. Boats anchor offshore, allowing visitors to observe quietly as the bats pass overhead against the fading light.

Padar Island – The most epic viewpoint

Padar Island is one of the most iconic locations in the national park. You’ll likely do this hike for sunrise. The hike to the summit reveals a dramatic landscape of ridges and bays, including the famous view of three beaches with contrasting colors. The trail takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes, depending on pace, and is best attempted early in the morning to avoid heat and crowds. It’s not a difficult hike, but good footwear and water are recommended.

Pink Beach

One of Komodo’s most distinctive features is its pink sand beach, created by fragments of red coral mixed with white sand. The pink beach is both visually striking and good for swimming and snorkeling. Coral reefs lie close to shore, and the water is usually calm, making it a lovely stop for both relaxation on the beach and swimming/snorkeling .

Taka Makassar

Taka Makassar is a small sandbar that appears during low tide, surrounded by shallow, clear water. The sandbar is exposed only briefly each day, making timing essential. Its remote, minimalist setting creates the sensation of standing in the open sea, and it is often paired with a visit to nearby Manta Point. To be honest, this was probably my least favorite stop. It gets quite crowded and there’s not much to see, but it was only a quick stop and I still enjoyed getting in the water for a moment.

Strawberry Rock

Strawberry Rock/Hill (or Nisa Purung) in Komodo National Park is a big pink rock on a small island! It’s just a short stop and not as well known as the other stops. However, a quick climb up will give you a great photo opportunity with the pink rock and the surrounding turquoise waters.

Kanawa Island

Kanawa Island is often one of the final stops before returning to Labuan Bajo. Known for its coral reefs and calm waters, it offers easy snorkeling directly from the beach. The island’s gentle conditions make it an ideal place to end the journey with a relaxed swim and final views of Komodo’s marine environment.

Choosing a Boat Experience

Easy Komodo has tons of ships available to choose from. You can make your decision based on your budget and the facilities of the ships. I personally chose to travel with the Phinisi ship: Soe Besar von Rei. I opted to stay in the dorm as I was traveling by myself (I met a friend to go with while solo traveling), but they also offer private rooms. This ship is incredibly well equipped. It has a beautiful deck up top where you can sunbath, a lovely dining area and even a jacuzzi up front. The staff were extremely attentive and provided drinks and snacks in between activities and the most amazing meals! On the last they made us a massive fish platter with Lobsters of the BBQ.

I’d love to share this experience friends and family and I’d definitely considering  chartering one of the Phinisi ships with a group. See all the private charters here.

A multi-day boat journey allows you to see so much more of the Komodo’s islands than a day trip. Sailing between destinations provides flexibility. This will give the captain the ability to adjust the schedule and visit spots according to the currents and crowds.

Don’t forget to pack these things for your Komodo Boat trip

• Entrance fee Komodo National Park (Foreigner Rp. 600-700.000/pax & Indonesian Rp. 300.000/pax) (pay in cash in the day of the trip)
• Alcoholic beverages are usually not included, so bring them if you’d like to have a beer during sunset.
• Cash for tipping the staff
• snorkeling gear (they did provide it on our boat, but I prefer having my own mask)
• Microfiber towel
• Bikini
• underwater camera
• reef safe sunscreen

What does a boat trip to Komodo cost?

The price of a boat tour depends on how luxurious the ship is and how many days you’ll spend in the national park. The entrance fee (for foreigners) for Komodo National Park costs 600.000IDR/$35/€30 and is valid for 3 days.

A day trip in the park will cost between 500.000 – 1.000.000 (~$45) per person for a shared boat tour. A four-day boat trip, including meals, would cost 3.000.000 to 9.000.000 IDR per person. (~$178 to $535 or €150 to €453). The budget options include a dorm room and a less luxurious ship and on the higher end you’ll have a ‘master suite’ on a luxury ship.

Where to stay in Labuan Bajo?

Seaesta Komodo Hotel & Hostel: Seaesta is by far the most beautiful and popular hostel in Labuan Bajo. They have lovely rooftop where you can have a drink as well. I did their food was quite average, but the hostel is well worth staying at.

Green Hill Boutique Hotel: Great location in town and beautiful rooms!