Best Things To Do In Komodo National Park (and nearby)

Last Updated on 27th June 2023 by Sophie Nadeau

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From seeing Komodo dragons to enjoying dramatic landscapes featuring mesmerising vegetation and crystal clear waters, there are may fun things to do in Komodo National Park. In this guide, we’ll tell you all about the best of Komodo, Flores as well as some important travel tips to know before you go.

Where is Komodo?

Komodo and Rinca islands, as well as their smaller nearby neighbors in Indonesia, really are the definition of tropical islands, and Komodo National Park (which spans several islands) is a must-see on any trip to Indonesia. 

An easy boat ride away from Labuan Bajo on the island of Flores, Komodo and Rinca will surprise you with their tranquil seas, and the sandiest whitest beaches, lined by lush vegetation. 

Komodo National Park itself covers the three larger islands of Rinca, Komodo, and Padar, as well as 26 smaller islands.

These are collectively in the province of Nusa Tenggara and the group of islands, which is located in the Lesser Sunda group, is best-known for its white sand beaches, not to mention the presence of the endemic Komodo Dragons (known scientifically as Varanus komodoensis).

Practical Information

Tours of Komodo National Park normally start in Labuan Bajo (Flores island), with departures in the early hours. It is a full, yet pleasant and eventful day and you should expect to stay out for a good 10 to 12 hours so be sure to prepare accordingly.

Komodo National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and as such there are several fees to be paid for its protection and maintenance. They are as follows:

Make sure to wear comfortable clothes, hiking shoes, a hat and a swim suit if planning to snorkel, and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, which is common in such hot weather.

ENTRANCE FEE – Used for the conservation of the area: 150000 Indonesian Rupiah (roughly $11 USD). Please note that the fee on Sundays and national holidays is around $18 USD.

LOCAL AREA TAX – It goes to the local community: 100000 Indonesian Rupiah (around $7 USD)

SNORKELING FEE – For trips inside the national park: 50000 Indonesian Rupiah (around $3.50 USD)

Guided tours of Komodo National Park

Multi-day boat trips around Komodo National Park are one of the best things to do. You get to experience the local pristine nature, enjoy the silence of the ocean, eat delicious food and experience a glorious sunrise from the boat.

Several depart daily from Labuan Bajo – you can book yours here. Guided multi-days boat tours also depart from Bali. Check them out here.

Best Things To Do In Komodo, Flores

Spot the Komodo Dragons in Komodo National Park

One of the best things to do in Komodo is definitely spotting the Komodo Dragons. The best place to do so is actually in Rinca, though the dragons are present on a few of the islands which make up the National Park.

Once you get to the hidden dock of Koh Kima is the hidden dock, a trail will take you to the camp of Loh Buaya, and you will immediately start spotting the famous Komodo Dragons who literally own the island (around 2000 live on the archipelago of Komodo, Rinca, Gila Motang and Flores).

Those komodos look so scary that it is said that the legend of the Chinese Dragon takes after them. And scary indeed they are. These giant lizards, locally known as ora, can reach a whooping length of 3 meters and weight up to 170 kg, and feed on the insects as well as the buffaloes, goats, monkeys, boars and deers that also live on the island.

They are proper predators, who patiently hide to ambush their prey. So determined they are in their hunt, that they wait around till their meal of choice dies from the strong bacteria transmitted through their saliva once they bite.

Don’t be fooled by how lazy the dragons look when they slowly walk around, sticking their forked tongue out. That is a sign that they are smelling around for food, and knowing that they can ran as fast as 40 km per hour should be a good enough deterrent to keep at a good distance.

Indeed, although the komodos prey of choice are buffaloes and deers, incidents have been reported during which humans have been attacked.

Spy local wildlife (other than the Komodo Dragons)

As well as Komodo dragons, Rinca island is also populated by an impressive number of monkeys! More specifically, they are Macaques and part of their diet is actually local crabs!

Komodo National Park is also home to bats. The best time to spot them flying in the sky is at sunset. The Park is a great spot to admire manta rays and sea turtles too, especially if you go snorkeling or diving. 

Take in the amazing views from Padar

The best place for views in Komodo National Park is by far from the top of Padar, the third largest island in the Flore group. Incidentally, Komodo Dragons live there too.

It is undisputedly one of the best things to do in Komodo. Hiking all the way to the viewpoint in Padar is challenging, but you won’t regret it. Please note that there is a fee of 150000 Indonesian Rupees ($11 USD) to visit Padar.

Hike Komodo

Another place to explore for perfect views is Komodo island itself. You will need a guide for this, as although the trail is easy to follow, there are komodo dragons and the last thing you want is to be attacked. 

There are a number of hiking trails in Komodo, all starting from Loh Liang and all in varying length and difficulty. The easiest trek typically takes around 1 hour along mostly flat trails and in good shade.

The most difficult hike in Komodo is one that takes roughly 4 hours and is a bit more difficult, if anything because of the blistering heat and the fact that you’ll be completely exposed to the sun.

The hike to the steep hill of Gunung Ara, the island’s highest peak at 538 meters above sea level, will reward you with amazing views of the bay below.

Visit Pink Beach

No trip to Komodo is complete without visiting Pink Beach – AKA Pantai Merah. Located at about 30 minutes boat ride from Komodo island, the beach actually is pink, like some that can be found in Sardinia, Italy.

Tiny coral fragments mixed with the golden powdery sand give it a slight pink color. What makes the place even more beautiful is its complete isolation (there are no buildings on this small island) and the shallow yet pristine water that have perfect visibility and that really are a paradise for snorkeling. 

With the incredible marine life, Pink Beach is a perfect spot for snorkeling and swimming. Boat trips there will usually include any snorkeling equipment you may need.

Get on a sandbar

Scattered around Komodo you will find several sandbars – literally nothing more than a line of sand popping out of the clearest waters you can imagine. Visiting is one of the most fun things to do in Komodo. However, keep in mind you won’t find any shade there, so wear a hat! Be wary of tide times too.

Go diving

Komodo National Park is a great place for diving. The fee for that is 100000 Indonesian Rupiah (around $7 USD), on top of which you will have to pay for equipment, the boat trip etc. Find more comprehensive information on the official PADI site. Another popular spot for snorkeling and diving is Batu Balong.

Visit Rangko Cave

Not far from Labuan Bajo, Rangko cave has beautiful blue waters that are incredibly salty. Indeed, it’s so salty that it’s a popular spot for swimming. Don’t miss it! Inside the cave is a natural blue pool and the only way to reach the cave is by boat.

Go to Komodo Village

To experience a bit of local life, you may want to spend an hour or so in Komodo Village. There are only around 300 to 350 residents of the village and so there isn’t a great deal of things to do but you can purchase wooden komodo carving from one of the professional carvers in the village.

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