Things to do in Komodo Island – Dragons, Trekking, Snorkeling, Manta Rays, Diving and Liveaboard

The Best of Komodo Island in Indonesia! All you need to know to plan a trip to Komodo Island. How to get to Komodo National Park, go trekking, see the Komodo dragons and go scuba diving.

The Komodo National Park is formed by three big islands: Komodo Island, Rinca Island and Padar Island, plus a few other islets, a total of 2,321 Km2 of protected land and sea. In 1986, Komodo National Park was declared as World Heritage Site and Man and Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, because only in this area we can find the Komodo dragon, the largest species of living lizard in the world. An estimated total of 5,700 dragons that call this stunning part of Indonesia as their home.

The Komodo dragons are the star of the show, but the natural spectacle in Komodo National Park goes beyond those dangerous lizards. All the top things to do in Komodo Islands are related to nature, so be prepared for an overdose of stunning views, crystal clear water, colored corals, curious fishes, giant bats, sun and sweat. The perfect combination for an unforgettable adventure trip. When planning your trip to Komodo Island, don’t miss these top things to do in the Komodo National Park:

  1. Trekking in Rinca Islands, Searching for Komodo Dragons

Put your trekking boots on, get a hat, a bottle of water and follow the rules. Rinca Island is the second biggest island in the Komodo National Park, and has the second biggest population of Komodo dragons. From Labuan Bajo, the closest tourist town, to Rinca Island takes approximately 2 hours on a local wooden Boat and one hour on a speed boat. It’s a long and enjoyable trip, we pass by stunning islets, calm bays and cruised through a beautiful deep blue sea.

At the island you will get the first instructions: don’t look directly to the Komodo dragon, keep your head down, walk only in the trail, stay together with your group, one ranger goes in the front the group and the other in the end. Never go to the toilet alone, and girls on their period need extra attention and double security, as the dragons can smell the blood and might attack.

The trekking in Rinca Island is beautiful, the views from the top of the hills are stunning and encounter with the Komodo dragons will be more peaceful and gentler than you expect.

The trekking in Rinca Island is easy. The terrain is fine, and it is not a long trek, about 1 hour and a half walking in the park. The heat iss tough, so don’t forget to bring your sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen.

  1. Bat Watching & Unforgettable Sunset

Probably you are will agree with me that one of the top things to do in Komodo Islands is to go bat watching. To be honest, don’t skip the bat watching, it’s one of the most amazing sunset experiences you can have. You can see those dark wings of bats contrasting with the orange sky of Sunset.

  1. Hiking and Trekking in Padar Island, One of The Best Views in Indonesia

When you anchor in Padar Island, the hills seemed to be way probably higher than you expected. Prepare your good shoes Shoes on and just do it. I is there for the view and take your camera, do not leave without your dream photo.

To reach the summit we need to walk around 30 minutes to one hour. The terrain is tough, sandy and with some loose rocks, you need strength and balance to keep moving up. But for every step, every meter you go up, the view you get from the island and the beaches around gives you the power to keep moving. You gonna sweat, you gonna be tired, and you gonna be in ecstasy when you arrive at the top. So far, Trekking in Padar is one of the most rewarding trekking trails in Komodo National Park.

  1. Visit the Komodo Island, Home of Over 3 Thousand Komodo Dragons

Ready for more dragons? The Komodo Island is the biggest island in the National Park and has the biggest population of dragons. You will get another instruction and follow the rangers, a quick stop to snap a photo if you see the dragon. Trekking in Komodo Island is about 1 hour 30 minutes until 2 hours and it is easy as you go under the shadow since Komodo Island is more fertile comparing to RInca.

  1. Snorkeling at Pink Beach

A trip to Komodo Island is packed with adventure and natural beauty, and Pink Beach is the perfect combination of both. This little piece of paradise is famous for the pinkish sand, a mix of white sand and little pieces of red corals brought by the waves. A surreal scenery, with a transparent warm sea, and an immense amount of colored fishes and preserved coral.

The trees by the beach make it the perfect spot for relaxing and sunbathing, but if you are still seeking for more adventure, Pink Beach won’t disappoint you. It’s time to discover the underwater biodiversity of Komodo National Park. In Pink Beach or close by,  you can do snorkeling and scuba diving, pick your favorite and enjoy hours of fun.

  1. Relax at Kanawa Island

Stay and relax at Kanawa Island for some serious snorkeling. Hours swimming with fishes, beautiful corals and with great visibility. witnessing  how rich and preserved the corals are and only a few meters from the shore. The Komodo dragons are the main attraction of the National Park, but snorkeling and diving in Komodo Island come in second place, attracting many travelers every year.

  1. Snorkeling around Komodo National Park

Snorkeling around Komodo Island is as spectacular as you could imagine. With brightly colored coral and an incredible array of marine life, it should come as no surprise that nearly all of the dive companies offer snorkeling trips to this area. However, it is important to note that anyone going out snorkeling should be a strong swimmer, as conditions can change quite quickly.

  1. Diving around Komodo National park and swimming with Manta Rays

If you are a scuba diver, why wouldn’t you dive in one of the most beautiful dive locations in the world? Diving in the Komodo marine reserve is pretty much possible all year round. However, March through to October is the best time for optimum diving conditions. The best season for diving with the majestic manta ray is during the rainy season from December to March. Be sure to do some research and contact dive companies if you’re planning a trip during that time, as some dive boats do not go out during rainy season. Underwater visibility is at its best from November through January.

 

  1. Liveabaord Experience around Komodo Islands

If you’re an avid diver hoping to explore all that Komodo has to offer, why not hop on a liveaboard? Not only is this a great way to view the island from the water, you also get to visit some of the most beautiful dive sites in the world and have few nights experience on liveaboard with local wooden Boat in private or sharing cabins.