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Empty beach in Komodo National Park seen from above, Indonesia.

Things to do in  Komodo National Park

Chase the dragon

Home to Komodo dragons, giant mantas, sharks, more than 260 species of coral, and more than 1,000 types of fish, Komodo National Park is Indonesia’s top island-hopping destination and a world-class scuba hot spot. Perhaps understandably, things to do in Komodo National Park tend to center on the water and the wildlife. But this UNESCO World Heritage Site has something for everyone, from pink beaches and gorgeous sandbars to hiking trails, flying foxes, and rugged island vistas.

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Top 3 attractions in Komodo National Park

All about Komodo National Park

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When to visit

You can dive at Komodo National Park year-round, although most high-end diving liveaboards visit the area between May and August. The dry season (roughly May through October) is also the most popular time for non-divers to visit Komodo National Park, but there can be advantages to traveling in the rainy season: The park is generally less busy, and the green landscapes make for excellent photos. Try to avoid visiting on weekends and steer clear during Indonesian public holidays.

Getting around

Komodo National Park is scattered across nearly 30 volcanic islands between Sumbawa and Flores. While there are ferries to Komodo and Rinca, the biggest islands in the park, they’re not useful for travelers. Almost everyone visits either on a liveaboard boat or a day cruise out of Labuan Bajo on Flores; however, some longer boat trips depart from Bali, and some liveaboards may start or finish in Sumbawa or Alor.

Traveler tips

Labuan Bajo, the base for exploring Komodo National Park, is a busy and touristy port town that’s not to everyone’s taste. While there are no hotels inside the park boundaries, you can get a dose of private island life for an affordable price at Le Pirate Island. When in Labuan Bajo, a seafood feast by the water is a must: Taman Laut Handayani Seafood Restaurant serves authentic dishes with island views at prices that won’t strain your wallet.

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People Also Ask
Q:How many days do you need in Komodo National Park?
A:

How many days you need in Komodo National Park depends on your interests. Serious scuba divers should spend a week on a liveaboard exploring the park’s myriad dive sites; non-divers should aim for a 2-night boat trip. Day trips can feel rushed and usually mean missing out on the sunset and sunrise.

Q:What is so special about Komodo National Park?
A:

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Komodo National Park is the only place in the world where you can see Earth’s largest lizard, the Komodo dragon. But the park’s islands, islets, and reefs offer a range of wonders, from sharks, turtles, and mantas to pink beaches and spectacular sunrise vistas.

Q:Can you visit Komodo Island on your own?
A:

No, you can’t visit Komodo Island on your own. The island is inhabited, but travelers are not allowed to stay there, and the slow local ferry from Labuan Bajo doesn’t leave time to look around. Everybody visits on boat trips, which also cover other beautiful islands in Komodo National Park.

Q:Is Komodo Island expensive?
A:

No, Komodo Island is not especially expensive. A planned hike in admission charges to 3,750K rupiah never happened due to local protests. You’ll need to pay the cost of the boat, the entrance fee for Komodo National Park (150–225K rupiah), plus a ranger fee (400–450K rupiah) to hike to the dragons.

Q:Are there sharks around Komodo Island?
A:

Yes, there are many sharks around Komodo Island and in Komodo National Park, but, like most sharks, they are not dangerous to people. Divers have the chance to see whitetip reef sharks, blacktip reef sharks, gray reef sharks, and perhaps even the rare bamboo shark, which seems to walk along the reef.

Q:Is it safe to go to Komodo?
A:

Yes, it is generally safe to go to Komodo National Park. Provided you hike with a ranger and follow their instructions, you will not be attacked by Komodo dragons. However, as elsewhere in Indonesia, boat safety standards vary and sinkings do happen—be sure you know where the life jackets are.

Things to do near Komodo National Park

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