KOMODO ISLAND GUIDE: How to Go Komodo Island

Komodo island is an island populated with komodo dragons. However, most people travel to Rinca island to visit the komodo dragons instead. This is due to its central location to other neighbouring islands, as well as having more komodo dragons on Rinca itself. These gigantic reptiles are often spotted lazing around the island or walking at a relatively slow speed; looking way too harmless. Komodo dragons do produce lethal toxins that can kill both animals and human so keep a good distance of at least 5 meters during your visit.

How to get to Komodo island?

Firstly, you need to set your foot on Labuan Bajos and take a boat to the island. There are a few ways to get to Labuan Bajos via domestic flight. We took a domestic flight in the early morning from Bali. There is no other public transport on Labuan Bajos apart from taxi. Taxi drivers will flock around you and quote about 150,000 rupiah for a short 10 mins drive to the harbour. Do bargain for the better rates.

Things to take note when you are going for the tour.

Tour types
1. Private Tour is slightly more expensive but you get the entire boat to yourself and get to plan your itinerary.

2. Group Tour starts early in the morning around 8am with a specific set of islands to hop onto. If you are taking a domestic flight in the morning, chances are you will not be in time for the group tour. Do arrive the day before of the tour.

Important tips

• Book your tour on site. Labuan Bajo is a small island that thrives on the Komodo tour industry. There is not much on the island other than numerous boats and komodo tour agency. To get the best price, book it on site. You may book through any of the agencies that is about 8 to 10 mins walk away from the harbour OR
• Go straight to the harbour, choose your boat and book directly from the captain yourself. This option saves you a bit more.
• Do your research on the islands you would like to visit. If you plan to visit pink beach, make sure you are visiting the bigger pink beach. 
• Check if snorkeling equipment is provided for every individuals, because some may have insufficient equipment for everyone.
• Make sure you have your power banks as the electricity is solar-powered and you may not be supplied with electricity all the time. 
• In general, the waves are not as big since the sea is surrounded by islands. We got by without any nausea pills but do bring along just in case. 

Suggested itinerary
-Kelor island for snorkeling and trek to the top of the island
-Rinca island to see Komodo dragons
-Kalong island to watch sunset and the phenomenal thousands of bats blanketing the sky as they fly out of the cave
-Padar island for 30 mins trek to the top of the island
-Long Pink beach with pink sand and corals
-Manta Point to see Manta Rays
-Kawana island for snorkeling/swimming and chilling on the beach