Komodo Island is one of Indonesia’s most breathtaking destinations, home to the famous Komodo dragons, stunning pink beaches, and vibrant underwater life. If you’ve been dreaming of stepping foot on this Jurassic-like island, you might be wondering: How do I get there?
Well, Komodo Island isn’t the easiest place to reach, but that’s part of its charm! You can get there by a combination of flights and boat rides. Whether you’re coming from Bali, Lombok, Jakarta, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, the US, or the UK, we’ve got you covered with a detailed guide on how to reach this bucket-list destination!
Where is Komodo Island National Park?
Komodo Island is part of Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. The park consists of three main islands (Komodo, Rinca, and Padar) along with numerous smaller islands.
The closest major town is Labuan Bajo, on the western tip of Flores Island, which serves as the main gateway to Komodo Island.
Since there is no airport on Komodo Island itself, you first need to get to Labuan Bajo (Komodo Airport – LBJ), and from there, take a boat to Komodo Island.
How To Get To Komodo Island From Different Locations
Reaching Komodo Island requires some planning, but don’t worry since there are plenty of options to fit different travel styles and budgets. The most common route is to fly into Labuan Bajo and then take a boat, but depending on where you’re coming from, there are different ways to get there. Read on to find the best route for you!
1. From Bali to Komodo Island
Bali is the most common starting point for travelers heading to Komodo. Here’s how you can get there:
A. By Plane
- Direct flights from Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Bali to Komodo Airport (LBJ) in Labuan Bajo take about 1 hour 15 minutes.
- Airlines that usually operate on this route: Garuda Indonesia, Batik Air, Citilink, and Wings Air.
B. By Boat
Multi-day sailing tours from Bali to Komodo are available. These usually last 3-4 days, stopping at various islands along the way, including Lombok, Moyo Island, and Rinca.
Flying is faster and more convenient, but if you want an adventurous journey, the boat trip is a fantastic experience!
2. From Lombok to Komodo Island
Lombok is another great jumping-off point for reaching Komodo Island. Here’s how to get to Komodo Island from Lombok:
A. By Plane
No direct flights from Lombok to Labuan Bajo. You’ll need to transit in Bali before flying to Komodo Airport.
B. By Boat
Take a ferry from Lombok to Sumbawa (Poto Tano Port), then drive or take a bus to Sape Port and catch a public boat to Labuan Bajo.
You can also use liveaboard Tours. There are 3-4 day boat tours from Lombok to Komodo, but also making stops at various islands.
3. From Jakarta to Komodo Island
If you are flying from Jakarta, you can directly choose airlines to get to Komodo Island. Direct flights from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) in Jakarta to Komodo Airport (LBJ) take about 2.5 hours.
Several airlines that are available such as: Garuda Indonesia, Batik Air, Citilink.
4. From Malaysia to Komodo Island
There are no direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Labuan Bajo. You can fly from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Bali (DPS), then take a connecting flight to Labuan Bajo (LBJ).
5. From Singapore to Komodo Island
There are also no direct flights from Singapore to Labuan Bajo. You have to fly from Singapore (SIN) to Bali (DPS), then take a connecting flight to Labuan Bajo (LBJ).
6. From Australia to Komodo Island
If you are flying from Australia, you have to fly from Sydney, Melbourne, or Perth to Bali (DPS), then connect to Labuan Bajo (LBJ). Since there are no direct flights to Labuan Bajo from Australia.
As an alternative, some tour companies might offer luxury cruises from Australia to Komodo, but they are expensive and take several days.
7. From the US to Komodo Island
To get to Komodo Island from the US, you can fly from Los Angeles (LAX) or New York (JFK) to Bali (DPS) (usually with a stop in Hong Kong, Tokyo, or Singapore), then take a connecting flight to Labuan Bajo (LBJ). Flying via Bali is the most efficient route.
8. From the UK to Komodo Island
Since there are no direct flights from London to Labuan Bajo. You have to fly from London (LHR) to Bali (DPS) (with stopovers in Singapore, Dubai, or Doha), then take a connecting flight to Labuan Bajo (LBJ).
Final Step: Getting from Labuan Bajo to Komodo Island
Once you land in Labuan Bajo, your journey to Komodo Island isn’t over yet! Now, it’s time to hop on a boat and sail through the breathtaking waters of Komodo National Park. Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, you have a few options:
A. Speedboats (Fast & Convenient – ~1 hour)
If you’re short on time and want to get to Komodo Island as quickly as possible, a speedboat is your best bet. These boats zip across the crystal-clear waters in about an hour, getting you to your dragon-spotting adventure in no time.
Speedboats are perfect for day trips, allowing you to maximize your time on the island. They’re also more stable compared to traditional boats, making them a great choice if you’re prone to seasickness.
B. Local Wooden Boats (Slow & Scenic – ~2-3 hours)
For those who prefer a more relaxed and budget-friendly option, local wooden boats offer a charming (but slower) ride to Komodo Island. The journey takes around 2 to 3 hours, giving you plenty of time to soak in the stunning ocean views, spot flying fish, and maybe even see a pod of dolphins along the way.
These boats have a rustic charm, making the experience feel like a true Indonesian adventure. Just keep in mind that they’re a bit less comfortable than speedboats, so if you’re in a hurry or prefer modern amenities, this might not be your top choice.
C. Liveaboard Tours (Ultimate Adventure – 2-3 days)
If you want the full Komodo experience, consider joining a liveaboard tour. These multi-day trips take you not only to Komodo Island but also to other stunning spots like Padar Island, Pink Beach, and Manta Point.
Imagine waking up to a sunrise over the ocean, snorkeling with manta rays, and trekking up scenic hills—all while staying on a boat! Liveaboard tours are ideal for divers and adventure lovers who want to explore more than just Komodo Island.
Ready to Visit Komodo Island Soon?
If you’re dreaming of an unforgettable journey through Komodo National Park, look no further than Indonesia Flores Tour! The Komodo Private Tour is your best option to explore the park’s most breathtaking treasures.
For those who want to experience Komodo in a single day, our full-day Komodo trip from Labuan Bajo takes you to all the top highlights in just one adventure-packed day.
But if you’re looking for something even more special, our private and sharing tours give you the flexibility to explore Komodo at your own pace, with expert local guides ensuring you don’t miss a thing.
Want to take your adventure to the next level? Indonesia Flores Tour also offers Indonesia’s best liveaboard experiences, where you can sail through paradise, discovering hidden gems beyond your wildest imagination. Whether it’s a short getaway or an extended cruise, we guarantee an experience that’s beyond expectations!
So what are you waiting for? Check out our private tours, sharing tours, and liveaboard packages to start planning your epic adventure today. Send your inquiries today!
FAQ
Can I go to Komodo Island without a tour?
No, independent travel is not allowed. You must join a guided boat tour from Labuan Bajo.
What’s the best time to visit Komodo Island?
The best time is April to November (dry season), but if you want to see manta rays, visit from December to February.
Do I need a visa to visit Komodo Island?
Indonesia offers a Visa on Arrival (VOA) for most nationalities. Check the latest visa regulations before traveling.
Can I stay overnight on Komodo Island?
No, but you can stay on liveaboard boats or in hotels in Labuan Bajo.
