Komodo National Park is located in the center of the Indonesian archipelago, between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores. It consists of three major islands (Rinca, Komodo and Padar) and several smaller islands. The famous inhabitants of the park are the largest lizards on earth, Komodo dragons, which you cannot find anywhere else in the world.
To go to Komodo National Park, you have to go from Labuan Bajo. Labuan Bajo is a city located on the western tip of Flores, East Nusa Tenggara. It is the main stopping point for visiting Komodo National Park. One of the best ways to go is to join a phinisi cruise, a traditional Indonesian style wooden boat. Nowadays, Phinisi cruises are equipped with state of the art modern facilities. You will feel like you are sailing on floating luxury hotels.
Facilities such as luxury bedrooms, restaurant, movie/karaoke, jacuzzi, bar and lounge are common on modern Phinisi cruises. You can enjoy various types of activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, scuba diving, and guided land tours. Don’t worry about the food, you will be spoiled with selections of meals and snacks each day.
Opening to vacation while staying on a cruise during a pandemic might be a better fit. The boat capacities are limited from 8 to 24 people. For a private trip, you can charter the entire boat for just you and your family, limiting interaction with other people. Most if not all livebaoard crews these days are fully vaccinated and there are strict health protocols for guests and crews.
Once on board, there are many destinations you can visit in Komodo National Park. Some of the more popular destinations you hear about often include:
1. Padar Island
The island has a very unique shape and topography which makes it a perfect place for trekking. From the air, you’ll see four crescent-shaped beaches divided by ranges of towering peaks. It could be quite a hike but the view is breathtaking. It is one of the most instagrammable places in the country. Prepare to climb 870 steps to the top to admire the view.
2. Kalong Island
The island’s exotic trees are home to thousands of bats. When dusk comes, thousands of bats fly in for food and will be back by dawn. It is certainly a fascinating sight. Often the cruise boat will spend the night here due to its location in the bay where the water is calm.
3. Kanawa Island
Located just 15 km from Labuan Bajo, it is located on the border of the park. Everyone’s favorite things to do here is definitely snorkeling. Kanawa is known for its white sand beaches, crystal clear water where fish can be seen, and coral reefs from the surface. For scuba diving enthusiasts, manta rays, wobbegongs, whale sharks or the pygmy seahorse can often be found at dive spots around the island.
4. Gili Lawa
Gili Lawa is located in the northern part of the Komodo National Park. The island is a savannah that changes color from green to yellow depending on the season. The favorite activity is trekking as the view is spectacular. You can view the sunrise or sunset from the vantage points.
5. Komodo Island
Komodo Island is one of the main islands in the Komodo National Park. It is the habitat of the Komodo dragon. You can explore this island with different choices of trekking routes. Komodo dragons live freely on the island, so during the trek there will be a ranger to accompany you so you can explore safely.
6. Rinca Island
Rinca Island is smaller than Komodo Island, less visited, and has more diverse terrain. It is also where you can find Komodo dragons. If you have decided to cool off in the water, always observe your surroundings as the Komodo dragon enjoys sunbathing and you never want to disturb it.
7. Pink beach
It is probably one of the most popular sites in the park. The beach well known for its beautiful pink sand. This pink color comes from a mixture of white beach sand with red coral flakes, shells and invertebrates from the sea.
There are many other destinations you could visit, depending on the length of your trip you could arrange to visit other sites. One of the benefits of booking a private trip is that you get to decide your own itinerary.
Flight options vary from Jakarta or Bali with airlines such as Lion Air, Wings Air, Citilink, Batik Air, Air Asia or Garuda Indonesia. The price varies from Rp. Rp 1,364,000. 4,235,000. It takes 2.5 hours from Jakarta and only 1 hour from Bali. During this period, a negative RT-PCR test result is required within a maximum period of 2 x 24 hours from the time the sample was taken before departure and you must also bring a vaccination certificate (at least the first vaccination) as a travel requirement.
In addition, it is mandatory to register on the online portal for the registration of tourist visits in Labuan Bajo Here.
If you plan to explore Komodo National Park using a cruise, spend at least 3 days and 2 nights for a better experience. If you need help, send us a chat and we’ll be happy to help. Stay safe!
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