General Information of Komodo National Park
Komodo National Park is one of the most loved National Park in Indonesia because of its stunning beauty, from the hilly landscape, to the hustling underwater life, and of course for its legendary Komodo Dragon in their natural habitat. To visit Komodo National Park, first you need to fly in to Labuan Bajo City. Labuan Bajo city is nestled in the Flores Island and the starting point before you go on with your adventure. The city offers from humble homestay up to 5 star resorts. You want to be in the city during sunset, as it offers perfect sunset with the ocean as background. Some of the best spot to enjoy the sunset is in Loccal Collection Hotel and Amelia Seaview. There are also plenty restaurant to choose from in the city. Its not a very big city so you can explore it in a half day tour.
Some other spot you can visit during your stay in the city is Batu Cermin Cave and Batu Rangko Cave.
While in the Komodo national park itself, there is no accommodation available. Travelers who want to explore more of the national Park can stay in Phinisi Boat that available for rent. But you need a group of people with you, at least 6-8 person to share the cost of the phinisi. It is a great experience unlike anywhere else to stay in the Phinisi and see many faces of the national park. However, If you are traveling in small group, best option to stay is in Labuan Bajo city with its many hotel option, then explore the national park in a day tour with a speed boat. Most of the places we visit will be more or less the same.
Best Time To Visit Komodo National Park
Komodo National Park can be visited the whole year. During rainy season of December-May you will see more greeny hills. While during June-November with less rain the hills are more brown. Late December and January usually has more strong current and at times, people might not be allowed to enter the national park because of the unfriendly weather. If you are here for the Manta Ray, better come during their mating season around February-March as you will see more of them. While contrary for Komodo dragons, you want to avoid coming during their mating season on around July-September as they will hide in the hills and will be more difficult to find.
Komodo National Park Destinations
There are several highlight in Komodo National Park to visit
Padar Island
You’ve seen it in a lot of pictures and they are actually that stunning. People will come during early hour to catch the sunrise in this island. The trekking to the summit of the island takes around 45 minutes with wooden stair and continued by dirt road. The elevation is not very high and quite easy for everyone. There are several stop along the way.
The sunrise is just stunning with calm ocean as background. And the hilly texture and landscape is beyond words. You might need some time to queue to take picture on ‘The Spot’ with the famous Padar island background.
Komodo Island
Komodo Island is the main destination to visit where you will see the Komodo Dragon. There are 3 trek to choose from , short, medium and long trek. The short trek is enough to see the Komodo Dragon. Most of the time people can see at least one Komodo. There will be one ranger accompanying each group of traveler and you want to follow their direction. Women who are having their menstrual period is still allowed to visit with some more precaution.
Pink Beach
The famous pink beach is a vast coastline with pink sandy beach made from white sand and red shattered corals. There are some warung (food stall) where you can sip some drink while enjoying the view.
Taka Makassar
One of the snorkeling spot to visit. There is a small white sandy island surrounded by the ocean. Here you can snorkeling all the way around with beautiful coral and colourful fishes. Many time sea turtle swims by the shallow water.
Manta Point
Close to Taka Makassar, in this point, we will swim following the water current to see the Manta Ray swims by. Its more recommended for those who can swim as you will be in the open ocean and the current sometimes quite strong. Your guide will look for Manta before they tell you to jump in and swim.
Kanawa Island
This inhabited island has wooden deck where you can jump in to the ocean and snorkel. It provides one of the best snorkeling spot with its colourful fishes and corals. As its close to the island, the current is not very strong and easy to snorkel even for beginner.
Temperature
The temperature in Komodo National Park is warm and windy.
What To Bring In Komodo National Park
Good attitude at all times
Swimwear
Summer clothes
Coral-safe Sunscreen
Sunglass
Drybag
Snorkeling gear (we provide it but you can also bring your own preffered gear)
Motion-sickness medicine (if you are prone to seasickness)
As you are visiting a national park, there will be rules to follow such as:
No stepping on corals, do not take anything from the national park, no fishing, no trashing
Drone is only allowed with special permission fee