Travel Guide To Komodo Island Flores – Indonesia best Tours Destinations

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Komodo Island

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.

Komodo Island is a small island located in the Nusa Tenggara Islands. It is found within the Lesser Sunda Islands and is famous for being home to the endemic Komodo dragon as well as to a number of incredible wildlife species, both on land and in the water. Komodo island is part of the Komodo National Park which is managed by the Central Government. Komodo Island is located east of Sumbawa Island, separated by the Sape Strait. Komodo Island is also accepted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, because it is in the Komodo National Park area, along with Rinca Island, Padar Island and Gili Motang.

This fascinating island falls within the Pacific Ring of Fire and is therefore of volcanic origins. Gazing at the giant brown and green volcanic mountains, emerging from where the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean meet, is an awesome and awe-inspiring experience of a lifetime.

How to plan trip to Komodo island

if you’re thinking about how to plan trip to Komodo and Flores Island, that means you have planned a trip to Indonesia! That’s double-awesome because there’s definitely a ton of things to do and see along the way. So, you need to get to Indonesia and then get to Komodo Island, mostly the visitors get to Komodo and Flores Island from Bali as it is easy to get to Komodo island from Bali.

Once you get to Bali (Denpasar), we recommend you to have one day or two days rest of jet lack, or it is also recommended to have more days to enjoy and explore Bali Island before leaving for Komodo and Flores Island. Definitely do that and make sure you check to see when and how much the flights are from Bali to the airport closest to Komodo Island; Labuan Bajo.

The most important things when you start planning your trip to Komodo Island is; first need to think about time. The best time to visit the Komodo National Park is during the dry season, from April to December. You can trek in the park and see the Komodo dragons all year around, although between July to August and September to November the dragons are less active due to the mating and nesting seasons.

Second important question: how long should be your trip to Komodo Island? You can spend two days and a half in the park and it is enough to enjoy the top attractions of Komodo National Park. I would say to do at least a two days trip from Labuan Bajo to the Komodo Islands, then one more day to relax. If you are going to the National Park for some serious diving, we suggest staying a bit longer.

How to get to Komodo Island

Is it easy to get to Komodo island? Are you planning to visit Komodo, but having a hard time to find the affordable, comfortable and safe way to get there? There are some options to get to Komodo Island from Bali, the most known place in Indonesia.

To get to Komodo Island in the Komodo National Park, Indonesia; you need to have a good planning ahead. Traveling around Komodo Island can be relatively easy, but to get to Komodo, you first need to travel to Indonesia either Jakarta or Bali and then to Labuan Bajo by either plane or boat, and finally to Komodo Island by boat.

By Flights

A couple of local and international airlines such as Garuda Indonesia, Airasia, Lionair, Sriwijaya air and Batik air fly from Jakarta or Bali to Labuan Bajo on Flores Island. Labuan Bajo is a launching point to explore Komodo National Park, the island’s interior and visit the giant dragons on Komodo and Rinca Island. Most of the airlines offer daily flights to Labuan Bajo.

Sailing from Bali to Komodo

The sailing trip might be more expensive and take more time than flying. It will take a few days and nights to reach Labuan Bajo—things that make it more expensive but still worth to choose. First, it is always fascinating to be in a cabin with air conditioner. Second, it can take you to some jaw-dropping stops for snorkeling or just enjoying the marine life activity from the surface. Please bear in mind that it might get risky since the boat will go to the north, crossing the Gili Island, Lombok, Sumbawa and the Flores Sea where the navigation is sometimes hard to find along with the difficult track to pass. Please make sure they provide emergency equipment on the boat, such as life jackets that you can ask and see where they keep them.

By Boats/Ferry

Taking a ferry from Bali to Labuan Bajo may excite budget travelers to the area, but don’t get too excited just yet. Ferries serving this route usually take around 36 hours – though that does mean saving on accommodation for one night.

Another thing to be aware of is that the trip can be treacherous. It is a long, long journey through shallow and rocky waters. So, unless you’re an avid traveler, this is not a recommended option. On a positive note, it is much cheaper than flying and it can all be part of the adventure.

It is also important to remember that these ferries leave Bali every two weeks for Komodo National Park, so make sure to plan your arrival to Bali well in time for your departure.

From Labuan Bajo

The only way of getting to Komodo Island from Labuan Bajo is by boat, unless you can afford a helicopter. The boat ride usually takes around 2 hours. Another option is to charter a boat in Labuan Bajo and have your own private cruise around Komodo Island. This is an ideal way of making sure you get to see exactly what you want, discover the archipelago and also have a chance to snorkel in the stunningly crystal-clear waters surrounding the island. If you’re a scuba diver, you can go out on a dive boat and travel around Komodo. You can also contact https://asianexplore.com for smooth arrangement as we have an Office in Labuan Bajo and able to provide Taylor made program for you to explore Komodo and Flores Highlights.

“If you are adventure seekers to Indonesia, then spending three or more days in Flores should be on your list. Its location on the most east part of Indonesia makes it as a fantastic place to visit. There are so many interesting spots you can visit here, from the terrestrial to the underwater life. However, due to its faraway location, many tourists find it hard to figure out what is the most affordable, comfortable and safe ways to get to Komodo Island from Bali".

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

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:

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.

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.

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 iss 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

How to choose the best Komodo Tour from Labuan Bajo to Komodo, Rinca & Padar Island?

You can only visit the Komodo National Park with an official guide and a park ranger. So, you need to book a tour operator that will organize the boat trip between the islands, the guide, and also to handle the park fees. There are many tour companies in Bali or Labuan Bajo, you can book in advance or browse around till you find one that suits your travel plans and budget. Or you can book everything in advance and start your trip to Komodo island saving time and energy, here you can find a list of the best tours from Labuan Bajo to Komodo Islands.

To plan the costs of your trip to Komodo Island keep in mind that a speed boat tour is more expensive than the local wooden boat. And if you want to cut the expenses, a tour on a shared boat can be a good option. The Komodo Tours from Labuan Bajo can cost around 750 usd for a private speedboat or 200 usd for group tour [prices including meals and snacks]. On top of that, you need to add the Komodo National Park entrance fee [11usd weekdays and 17 usd on weekends]. Depending on the activities you want to do in the park you also need to pay additional fees, nothing major, for scuba diving, the most expensive one, the fee costs about 2 usd per person.

Where to stay in Komodo National Park – Labuan Bajo?

Labuan Bajo is a tiny town, and it’s the best place to stay in the Komodo National Park. The accommodation in Labuan Bajo varies a lot, from hostel to resorts, with some middle range options too. As you will be exploring the park during the whole day, we suggest you to book a room with breakfast so you won’t spend time looking for a place to eat before boarding on the tour.

More Travel Tip to Komodo Islands:

Prepare your things and pack it light, The Aircrafts flying to Komodo Island are small and the luggage allowance is smaller than international flights. If you suffer from seasickness bring some medicines. You gonna spend at least half of the day cruising between the islands. A strong mosquito repellent sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat are a must. Remember to bring everything with you on the boat.

You don’t need to bring proper trekking clothes to your trip to Komodo Island. Swimsuit, shorts and t-shirts are fine but a pair of running shoes or trekking boots are essential. You must protect your feet, especially when trekking in Padar Island and Rinca island.

Bring your camera gear! A good zoom lenses can help to capture a close-up shot from the dragons, and the fisheye lenses are perfect for those landscape photos on the top of the hills. Don’t forget the underwater camera such as GoPro Hero4 to take stunning pictures.

Now the most important advice: always follow the park rules and the rangers’ instructions. And never forget, respect the animals and protect nature!!

Are you ready for this ultimate adventure? Now it’s you time to plan a trip to Komodo Island! Choose your travel dates, book the flights, the hotel and the tour. If you still have doubts about how to travel to Komodo National Park, send us a message or send us your inquiries, we would be happy to share the details of Komodo tour to you.

Komodo National Park and Flores Island; This cluster of islands in eastern Bali has diverse landscapes, ranging from exotic savannas to forests, waterfalls, lakes and exotic hidden caves, while the waters offer world-class diving and surfing sites. Even the Komodo islands have been chosen as one of the new seven wonders of the world in Nature. The land is also unique, until now there are traces of humans and ancient reptiles, in addition to fields such as spider webs, and various annual unique rituals such as whale hunting to sea worm hunting. Visiting here, its famous warm inhabitants do not hesitate to treat tourists as family members. Lovers of Nusantara traditional clothing will also be fascinated here by the various techniques, colours and motifs of beautiful Ikat weaving.

Flores (Flowers for Portuguese) island Adventure tours derived from the Authentic Idea to discover the authentic nature, culture and tribes throughout this wonderful island. The most famous tourist attraction in Flores island is Kelimutu, craters containing three color lakes, located in Moni, Ende district. Larantuka, on the isle's eastern end, is known for its Holy Week festivals. The Luba and Bena villages include traditional houses in Flores, Bena is also noted for its Stone Age megaliths. Labuan Bajo (on the western tip of Flores) is a town often used by tourists as a base to visit Komodo and Rinca. Labuanbajo also attracts scuba divers, as whale sharks inhabit the waters around Labuan bajo.

Portuguese traders and missionaries came to Flores in the 16th century, mainly to Larantuka and Sikka. Their influence is still discernible in Sikka's language, culture and religion. The first Portuguese visit took place in 1511, through the expedition of António de Abreu and his vice-captain Francisco Serrão, en route through the Sunda islands.

The Dominican order was extremely important in this island, as well as in the neighboring islands of Timor and Solor. When in 1613 the Dutch attacked the Fortress of Solor, the population of this fort, led by the Dominicans, moved to the harbor town of Larantuka, on the eastern coast of Flores. This population was mixed, of Portuguese and local islanders descent and Larantuqueiros, Topasses (people that wear heats) or, as Dutch knew them, the 'Black Portuguese' (Swarte Portugueezen).

The Larantuqueiros or Topasses became the dominant sandalwood trading people of the region for the next 200 years. This group used Portuguese as the language for worship, Malay as the language of trade and a mixed dialect as mother tongue. This was observed by William Dampier, an English privateer visiting the Island in 1699:

These [the Topasses] have no Forts, but depend on their Alliance with the Natives: And indeed they are already so mixt, that it is hard to distinguish whether they are Portuguese or Indians. Their Language is Portuguese; and the religion they have, is Romish. They seem in Words to acknowledge the King of Portugal for their Sovereign; yet they will not accept any Officers sent by him. They speak indifferently the Malayan and their own native Languages, as well as Portuguese.

In 1846, Dutch and Portuguese initiated negotiations towards delimiting the territories but these negotiations led nowhere. In 1851 Lima Lopes, the new governor of Timor, Solor and Flores, agreed to sell eastern Flores and the nearby islands to the Dutch in return for a payment of 200,000 Florinsin order to support his impoverished administration. Lima Lopes did so without the consent of Lisbon and was dismissed in disgrace, but his agreement was not rescinded and in 1854 Portugal ceded all its historical claims on Flores. After this, Flores became part of the territory of Dutch East Indies.

During World War II a Japanese invasion force landed at Reo on 14 May 1942 and occupied Flores.

The islands of the Komodo dragon are part of the complex of 175 islands, 200 nautical miles east of Bali, between the islands of Flores and Sumbawa. Both above and below the sea Komodo represents a unique range of geological and biological diversity. On shore it is an amazing museum diorama of the Mesozoic era dry tundra and reptilian supremacy. Komodo's symbol of international fame is its dragons, the world's largest living lizard.

We agree to say that Flores and Komodo are complementary to each other, which bring you to go for a round trip over these islands. Follow your ranger who will lead you, to look after the dragons in their natural and unique habitat in the world. The beautiful landscapes, wildlife and strong culture believing will offer you an unforgettable enchanted trip through the archipelago.

Flores Culture and History

Culture

There are many languages spoken on the island of Flores, all of them belonging to the Austronesian family. In the Centre of the island in the districts of Ngada, Nagekeo, and Ende there is what is variously called the Central Flores Dialect Chain or the Central Flores Linkage. Within this area there are slight linguistic differences in almost every village. At least six separate languages are identifiable.

These are from west to east: Ngadha, Nage, Keo, Ende, Lio and Palu'e, which is spoken on the island with the same name of the north coast of Flores. Locals would probably also add So'a and Bajawa to this list, which anthropologists have labeled dialects of Ngadha.

The peoples of Flores are almost entirely Roman Catholic Christians, whereas most other Indonesians are Muslim. As a consequence, Flores may be regarded as surrounded by a religious border. The prominence of Catholicism on the island results from its colonisation by Portugal. In other parts of Indonesia with significant Christian populations, such as the Maluku Islands and Sulawesi, the geographical divide is less rigid and Muslims and Christians sometimes live side by side. Flores thereby also has less religious violence that has sporadically occurred in other parts of Indonesia. There are several churches on the island.