Komodo Travel Advice: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

Planning your trip to Komodo National Park? Whether you’re coming for the dragons, the diving, or the pink-sand beaches, a little preparation goes a long way. This guide covers everything from how to get there and visa rules to what to pack, health tips, and local etiquette.

How to Get to Komodo

All trips to Komodo start in Labuan Bajo, a small port town on Flores Island, which serves as the main gateway to Komodo National Park. It’s accessible by air and sea from several major Indonesian cities.

The best way to get to Lanuan Bajo is by air:

• Daily flights from Bali (DPS) or Jakarta (CGK) arrive at Komodo Airport (LBJ).
• Direct flights from Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
• The flight takes about 1–2.5 hours, depending on your departure point.
• Garuda Indonesia and Wings Air are the most reliable carriers.
• Book early for July–August, as it’s peak season and flights sell out quickly.

From Labuan Bajo harbour, it takes a few hours to reach Komodo National Park.

Tips:

• Fly, don’t ferry: Bali/Jakarta → Labuan Bajo (LBJ). Arrive the day before your boat; most day trips depart before the day’s flights arrive.
• Minimum time: Even for a day trip, plan 3 days (arrive D1, boat D2, depart D3).
• Wet season buffer: If visiting Jan–Mar, build 1–2 spare days, speedboats and tours can cancel last minute.
• Book a liveaboard: Liveaboards are by far the most immersive and comfortable way to experience Komodo.

Visa and Entry Requirements

Visa on Arrival (VoA):

• Available for most nationalities (US, UK, EU, Australia, etc.).
• Cost: 500,000 IDR (~$33 USD).
• Valid for 30 days, extendable once for another 30.
• Apply online for smoother entry: Official Indonesian Immigration Portal.

Park Fees:

• Entry: 150,000 IDR weekdays / 250,000 weekends (~$10–17 USD).
• Diving/snorkeling add-ons: 25,000–100,000 IDR.
• Drones: Permit required; apply 3 days prior in Labuan Bajo; fee ≈ IDR 2,000,000; bring cash.

Tips:

• Pre-register: Park entry requires passport copy (photo page) sent ≥24 hours before departure. No copy = no entry.
• Ranger-led: Dragon treks on Komodo/Rinca are guide-only. Fees vary by day/island/activities, bring cash (IDR).

Health Requirements:

• No mandatory vaccines, but Hepatitis A/B, typhoid, and rabies are recommended.
• Malaria risk is minimal, but mosquito repellent (DEET) is essential.
• Bring travel insurance that covers evacuation by air or sea.

What to Pack for Komodo

Komodo’s climate is hot, dry, and sunny for most of the year — with blazing decks, ocean breezes, and tropical hikes. Keep it light but smart.

Essentials:

• Breathable clothing, swimwear, and a hat.
• Reef-safe sunscreen and polarized sunglasses.
• Light rain jacket (December–March).
• Comfortable hiking shoes (dragons = dusty trails).
• Motion-sickness tablets — even seasoned sailors get caught by Komodo’s currents.
• Chargers, power banks, and CEE 7 plug adapters (220V).

What to Pack for a Liveaboard Cruise: 15 Essentials for Comfort, Diving & Adventure

When to Visit Komodo

• Best Overall Season: April–October (dry, calm, ideal visibility).
• For Diving: July–October (crystal-clear waters, mantas).
• For Wildlife: April–June (dragons most active).
• Avoid: January–February (storms, rough seas).

👉 Full guide: Best Time to Visit Komodo

Top Experiences in Komodo

• Spot Komodo Dragons – Visit Loh Liang (Komodo) or Loh Buaya (Rinca) with rangers; best seen April–June.
• Hike Padar Island – 30-minute climb for a world-famous panoramic view.
• Dive Manta Point – Year-round rays, best between September–March.
• Swim at Pink Beach – Naturally tinted sands and coral-rich shallows.
• Kayak & SUP – Calm bays ideal for paddling between islands.
• Sunset BBQs – Your liveaboard crew can arrange beach dinners under the stars.

Safety, Health & Local Etiquette

Wildlife:

• Always stay 5–10 meters away from Komodo dragons.
• Don’t wear bright red or wave food — they smell blood from kilometers away.
• Always follow rangers’ instructions.
• Avoid basic “budget boats”: Safety incidents happen annually. Choose phinisi with credentials (or reputable speedboats).
• Lombok→Komodo trips: Skip if operators bait whale sharks (unethical & harmful).

In the Water:

• Komodo currents can be strong (up to 5 knots) — listen to your guides.
• Only dive with experienced operators familiar with local conditions.

Cultural Etiquette:

• Respect local customs in Flores and nearby villages.
• Dress modestly on land (shoulders and knees covered).
• A small tip (50,000–100,000 IDR) for guides and crew is appreciated.

Insider Tips

• Download offline maps of Komodo and Flores before arrival.
• Use Telkomsel SIM for best coverage.
• Bring cash — many small shops and harbors are offline.
• If you’re flying early after your cruise, skip the final day’s dive (no flying within 24 hours).
• For a seamless experience, book through reputable operators like Boatique Charters — they handle flights, transfers, and permits.

Quick Summary

Topic	Key Info
Gateway	Labuan Bajo (Flores Island)
Best Season	April–October (Dry)
Visa	30-Day VoA, 500,000 IDR
Currency	Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
Health	No mandatory vaccines, but recommended Hep A/B, Typhoid
Connectivity	Telkomsel 4G; Starlink Wi-Fi on yachts
Safety	Rangers required; follow all guidance near dragons
Yachts	Calico Jack, Anne Bonny, and other Boatique-chartered vessels

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Komodo

1. Do I need a visa to visit Komodo Island?

Yes. Most nationalities, including US, UK, EU, and Australian travelers, can get a Visa on Arrival (VoA) when entering Indonesia. It’s valid for 30 days and costs 500,000 IDR (~$33 USD). You can also apply online before arrival to save time at the airport.

2. What’s the best time of year to visit Komodo National Park?

The dry season (April–October) is ideal — calm seas, sunny skies, and the best diving conditions. July–September is peak season with the most marine life and clear visibility. Avoid January–February if you don’t like rain or rough seas.

3. How do I get to Komodo Island?

Fly to Labuan Bajo (LBJ) on Flores Island — the gateway to Komodo. Daily flights operate from Bali and Jakarta. From there, join a liveaboard yacht or day tour to reach Komodo and Rinca Islands.

4. Can I see Komodo dragons year-round?

Yes, you can see them year-round, but their behavior changes by season. Dragons are most active from April to June during feeding, while July–August is mating season, so they may be less visible. Rangers are always available to guide you safely.

5. Is Komodo safe for tourists?

Yes, Komodo National Park is generally safe. Rangers accompany all dragon encounters, and attacks are rare. Just keep your distance, follow instructions, and don’t wander alone. For divers, always go with experienced guides — currents can be strong.

6. How long should I spend in Komodo?

Most visitors spend 3 to 5 days exploring the park. A 3-day trip covers Komodo, Rinca, and Padar Islands, while longer liveaboard cruises (7–11 nights) let you combine diving, snorkeling, and remote island exploration.

7. What should I pack for a Komodo liveaboard?

Light, breathable clothes, reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and motion-sickness tablets. For diving, equipment is usually provided. Bring cash for tips and park fees — ATMs in Labuan Bajo can be unreliable.

8. Can families or non-divers enjoy Komodo?

Absolutely. Non-divers can enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking, while families can charter a private yacht for a tailored experience. Children should be at least 5 years old due to the heat and trekking conditions.